Protein Supplements
Adding Protein Rich Food to your Diet
By Susan M. Keenan
Protein is necessary for repairing and building muscle tissue. Therefore, it stands to reason that anyone who is bodybuilding or working out could benefit from an increase in protein in his diet.
One of the best ways to increase protein intake is to include a protein supplement. Another way is to increase the amount of protein rich foods that you eat on a daily basis. This might be easier said than done.
Protein is found naturally in many foods including meats, fish, chicken, beef, and dairy products. Adding protein to your diet with these foods might involve a great deal of time in the kitchen preparing, cooking, and eating meals.
Plus, unless you want to gain weight, you will need to cut out calories elsewhere in your diet. If you are already eating a balanced diet with little fat or sugar, cutting out calories might be a bit difficult without upsetting the balance of your menu.
Products
Protein supplements include a higher percentage of protein, allowing you to include that extra percentage of protein in your diet without much fuss or difficulty. In fact, protein supplements can be substituted for other items in your daily menu with relative ease and without upsetting your balanced menu.
Including protein supplements in the daily diet isn’t just for body builders either. People who are looking to lose weight, lose fat, gain weight, or gain muscle can also benefit from protein supplements. A number of factors come into play in each scenario including exercise regimens and the other foods included in the daily diets.
Protein is low in saturated fat and carbohydrates. Therefore, an individual can lose both fat and weight through an increased intake of proteins. Since this type of diet also helps to control the sugar intake, the blood sugar level should remain balanced.
It’s especially important for athletes to include sufficient protein in their diets since their muscles are constantly in need of rebuilding. Intensive workouts can be stressful on the muscles, as can games that are played with intensity. Adding protein rich foods to the diet can provide what your body needs to repair your muscles.
Fortunately for those who intend to take protein supplements, they are available in a wide variety of products and flavors. The three basic forms of protein supplements include protein bars, protein shakes, and protein powders.
Protein bars come in a variety of flavors and are produced by quite a number of companies. For some individuals, protein bars are an acquired taste. Even though they look like a candy bar, it doesn’t mean that they taste like a candy bar.
It’s probably in your best interest to try a few different varieties to find the one that is most palatable for you. One of the best features about these is the simple fact that they are easy to carry.
Protein powders are added to a liquid to form a shake. Milk is usually the liquid of choice and mixes well with the powder. The shakes can simply be substituted for your typical beverage to avoid too many extra calories.
Protein shakes come ready made and are terrific choices for people on the go. A variety of flavors are available. As with protein bars, sampling a variety of flavors or brands might be a wise idea.
Adding protein supplements to your diet can add your body in performing at optimal level. Monitor your intake and observe changes to your body’s performance to see the benefits first hand. Remember to eat a balanced diet at all times as well.
