Protein Power: Stackin' Up Your Gains and Health

In this Article, Percy Bass RD,CPT discusses the benefits of focusing in protein in your diet. Making sure to eat various sources of protein will allow you to enjoy the health benefits of maintaining muslce, strengthening your immunity and being healthy overall.
By
Percy Bass RD,CPT
November 11, 2024
Protein Power: Stackin' Up Your Gains and Health

Percy Bass RD,CPT

   •    

November 11, 2024

Welcome to the world of protein, fam! Let’s break it all down for you – what protein is, why it’s so important for your health, and how to make smart choices about getting it in your diet.

What’s Protein All About?

Think of protein as your body’s Lego set. It's made up of 20 amino acid building blocks. Nine of those are essential, meaning you gotta get them from what you eat. The rest? Your body can handle making them. Animal and plant sources give you these essential aminos. And when it comes to building muscle, those BCAAs—Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine—are the real MVPs, like the foremen running the construction site on your gains.

Protein Sources: What’s Good?

You can find protein everywhere, so where do you get yours? Let’s break it down:

  • Animal Protein Foods (per 100g): Beef, pork, chicken, fish—you name it, it’s packed with the good stuff.
  • Plant & Dairy Protein Foods (per 100g): Think nuts, seeds, beans, tofu, and all that dairy love.

How Much Protein Do You Really Need?

  • Chillin’ (sedentary): If you’re mostly lounging, shoot for 0.4 - 0.6 grams of protein per pound.
  • Losing weight? Protein’s your friend. It helps burn calories and keeps muscle on lock while you shed pounds. 1g per pound of ideal body weight is good.
  • Building muscle: Trying to bulk? Aim for about 1-1.1g gram per pound of body weight.
  • Staying active: If you’re getting those workouts in, 0.5 - 0.65 grams per pound will keep you strong.
  • For the OGs (seniors): To keep strength up, aim for 0.45 - 0.6 grams per pound.
  • Injuries got you down? Boosting your protein helps you recover quicker.

Timing & Type: The Real Deal

The type of protein matters. Animal protein’s solid because it’s packed with the  aminos for stimulating muscle growth. If you’re really trying to hit that next level, go for proteins that are high in BCAAs, especially leucine.

Debunking the Myths

Let’s squash those rumors: There’s no real evidence linking high-protein diets to heart disease, liver, or kidney damage in healthy folks. In fact, more protein can actually be good for your bones. So don’t sweat it!

The Bottom Line

There it is—the rundown on protein. It’s key for building muscle, recovering faster, and staying healthy overall. Follow these guidelines to hit your protein goals, pick quality sources, and don’t fall for the high-protein diet hate.

Hit us up in the comments and let us know how you're about to level up your protein game!

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