Why Do I Need Protein?
A great question. For some this seems like a no-brainer. Everybody uses protein powder, right? Because gains, obviously!! For others the answer is much less clear. I don’t want to put on bulk. I want to lose weight, not gain weight!
We want everyone to be able to achieve their fitness goals at Lincoln Nutrition & Fitness: Home of CrossFit Lincoln and, for many of us, taking a protein powder supplement can be a great way to keep us on track.
Fact #1 – Your muscles need protein to grow.
Your training allows your muscles to breakdown and regrow bigger and stronger. Your fifth or sixth grader can probably tell you what everyone knows “your muscles need protein to grow.” After you’ve pushed yourself during your training following up with a small meal or protein shake is a great way to give your muscles the fuel they need to regenerate and grow.
Fact #2 – Protein helps with weight management.
Eating protein is one way to feel fuller longer and prevent overeating later. Much of weight management has to do with keeping track of what goes in your mouth and pairing that with exercise. As the old saying goes, “You can’t out train a bad diet.” Plus, if your muscles are growing they are also continuing to burn calories long after your workout ends. Double win.
Fact #3 – Not all protein is created equal.
Your first choice for protein should come from whole foods, like meats, eggs, dairy, vegetables, etc. Protein can be found is many of the foods you already eat. If you do choose to take a protein supplement be sure to compare the ingredient lists. Not all protein supplements are created equal. Avoid protein powders with tons of fillers and be aware that, according to a recent Harvard study, some protein supplements have high levels of toxins that would be harmful to you.
The coaches at Lincoln Nutrition & Fitness: Home of CrossFit Lincoln want you to be the best possible version of you. We are happy to talk about supplements, workouts, nutrition and life with you. Let us know if you have questions along the way. Be better than yesterday!
At Lincoln Nutrition & Fitness: Home of CrossFit Lincoln we sell maxpro ELITE™ protein powder. maxpro ELITE™ is an ultra-premium and multi-source protein containing the perfect ratio of whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, potassium caseinate and micellar casein for muscle protein synthesis and overall sports performance. maxpro ELITE™ was developed to supply your body with the most pure, nutritionally complete and highest quality proteins to be used on a daily basis. Extremely versatile, maxpro ELITE™ is ideal for both women and men. In terms of the digestion, absorption and assimilation, both whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate are “fast-acting” proteins while the potassium caseinate and micellar casein fractions are “slow-acting” for more sustained assimilation of the proteins giving you the best profile of amino acids for nutrient timing.