The three basic food categories are carbohydrate, fat and protein.

In the Protein for Dummies guide we will cover protein.

 

What is protein?

Protein is what our body uses to build lean tissue, or muscle.

Here are a few things that we know about protein:

  • protein is the most difficult of all the nutrients for the body to convert to fat
  • strength training athletes (people like you) need 2-4 times the RDA for protein-shoot for about 1 gram per pound of body weight if you are training hard
  • we need to consume lean protein and minimize fatty sources of animal protein
  • protein is essential for growth and recovery from training
  • we must eat complete sources of protein

Complete sources are generally animal proteins; vegetable proteins must be combined to make a complete protein. Complete protein contains all of the essential amino acids.

So what does all this mean?

Well, a few things:

  • eat lean sources of animal protein
  • use a protein supplement to make it easy to consume protein if that works for you
  • make sure that you consume protein and carbs post workout-no need to rush, as long as you get it in within a few hours after
  • consume protein at every meal

What are good sources of protein?

  • chicken breast
  • eggs and egg whites
  • lean red meat -turkey
  • high quality, name brand protein powders
  • lean pork, no kidding
  • skim or low fat dairy products like yogurt and cottage cheese
  • in a pinch, low sodium lunch meat like ham and turkey

So, with this brief introduction to protein, what should you take away from this article?

The most important thing you should take away from this is that protein is ESSENTIAL to a strength training athlete’s diet.

It helps your body repair itself from your workouts, it is hard for your body to convert it to fat.

I realize that this is far from a complete discussion on protein, and it was not meant to be. It should give you some “food for thought” on what it is, why you should consume it, and when to consume it. Now go grab a steak shake and start gettin’ better!

 

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