How Much Protein Do You Need?
Protein – is it the key to health and fitness success? We hear a lot about protein and its importance in our daily diet, but how much protein does your body really need? Do I need to consume the same amount of protein as my best bud?
Do you need to supplement with protein, or do you get enough protein? How do you know? These are all questions that will be answered by diving deeper into the protein debate. Let’s start by looking at the ‘why’ behind protein.
Why is protein so important for your health?
Medline Plus explains that protein is extremely vital because every cell in the human body contains protein. The basic structure of a protein is a chain of amino acids. Your body needs it to repair cells, as well as make new cells.
What are the best sources of protein?
We suggest that you get most of your protein intake from real food sources such as soy, nuts, seeds, beans, and lentils; lean meats, such as skinless, white-meat - chicken or turkey; a variety of fish or seafood; egg whites; or low-fat dairy.
Eat your protein. Eat real and wholefoods. Try and stay away from manufactured and pasteurised food.
How much protein does each individual need?
Everyone is different and thus your needs will differ. According to the Mayo Clinic, 10% to 35% of your intake should come from protein. For example, for a diet consisting of 2,000 calories, that’s 200–700 calories from protein or 50–175 grams. The recommended dietary allowance to prevent deficiency for an average sedentary adult is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight.
This is, however, a little bit different if you are starting to age or lose muscle weight. If you’re unsure about your ideal protein intake, consult a medical professional.
When is the best time to consume protein?
The big debate! Some say it’s better in the morning, or straight after a workout. We suggest that you consume protein consistently throughout the day. Mayo Clinic suggests spreading it out evenly during the day. Make sure you get a little protein in at each meal of the day.
Do I need to supplement with protein?
Mayo Clinic made it easy and listed important points to look out for when you want to add a protein supplement:
- About 200 or fewer calories
- 2 grams or less of saturated fat
- No trans-fat or partially hydrogenated oils
- 5 grams of sugar or fewer
Our top recommended protein supplements are:
PURE WHEY PROTEIN ISOLATE
- Premium Clean Protein
- Rapid Transit
- Multi-Step Cross Flow
- Micro Filtered
- Lean Muscle Growth
- Zero Sugar
Single source pure whey protein isolate. Our legacy Whey Isolate for superior athletes. Formulated using a cold temperature cross-flow microfiltration that preserves important micro-fractions- it doesn’t get any purer than this.
THE FACTS:
- 22g Protein
- 2g Total Fat
- 2.8g Carbs (2.3g Sugar)
- 4.7g BCAA's
- 0.5g Fibre
PURE WHEY PROTEIN
- Imported from USA
- Isolate-Concentrate-Hydrolysate
- Low Carb
- Great Taste
Reach for platinum while the rest go for gold. Quality will always prevail. Platinum Whey is sourced from the USA using the purest and cleanest whey protein. Platinum whey will quickly become your go-to protein for your delicious homemade recipes. From tasty desserts to quick snacks and shakes, Platinum Whey is your best choice.
COMPLETE PROTEIN BLEND
- 7 stage protein stack
- Complete protein blend
- No added sugar
- Wheat, soy protein, and gluten free
- Enhance muscle recovery
- Great tasting
Full spectrum protein blend with 7 sources of lean protein to increase protein intake and enhance muscle recovery and lean muscle maintenance. Platinum Whey + is a great tasting everyday protein with low carbohydrates and no added sugar to keep you on track with your fitness and lifestyle goals.
HEXA LEAN MUSCLE PROTEIN
ANABOLIC WHEY is formulated with pure muscle building proteins that work in synergy with key ingredients and compounds, to promote anabolism through multiple pathways. Each ingredient in the HGH & VOLUMISING STACK contribute, to create the perfect environment for muscle protein Synthesis and immediate growth of lean muscle tissue. The stack also works by activating IGF-1 signaling in the body to boost Growth Hormone (GH) naturally and as science has proven, Growth Hormone is "the most anabolic substance known to man".
THE FACTS:
- 27G Protein
- 0.7g Total Sugar
- 8600mg HGH + Volumizing Stack
- 3000mg Creatine Monohydrate
- 2500mg Taurine
NIGHT TIME PROTEIN
- 21g Micellar Casein
- 5g L-Glutamine
- 5g Gaba
- 600mg ZMA
- Ultra Low Carb
Series black Micellar Casein provides greater strength and endurance, better muscle gains and improved resistance training. Micellar Casein provides a steady stream of amino acids to muscle cells for up to seven hours. This ensures positive nitrogen retention in muscles for much longer periods compared to whey protein.
Conclusion
Time to up your protein game? NPL offers the best quality supplements to ensure you get enough protein into your diet. Click here to shop. Now that you know how much protein you need, do you think you are getting enough? Tell us in the comment section below and share this blog with your training partner.
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