Whether you are trying to lose weight or trying to build muscle, having enough protein in your diet is key to success. So, once you know that a protein supplement can help you, how do you go about choosing them? By the end of this guide, you will know everything you need to understand protein supplements, including how they work and how to choose the best one to help you reach your health goals.
Why Protein is Important
For Weight Loss
When you are trying to lose weight, staying full can help keep you on your diet plan. Protein is complex and harder to digest than other foods, so it makes you more satisfied when you eat. In turn, you are less likely to give in to overeating.
If you do choose to give in to your carb cravings while on a diet, pairing your carbohydrate-rich foods with a food rich in protein slows the digestion of the carbs. This makes it less likely that your blood sugar will skyrocket and reduces the chance of you craving carbs in the future.
For Muscle Building
When you exercise, your muscles start to break down. This is the reason people are often sore after an intense workout. After the muscle has broken down, it builds itself back up stronger than before. This is how weightlifters gain muscle mass.
Protein is important because it promotes the growth and repair of muscles. This can help you get more out of your workout. If you are trying to gain muscle, you should increase your daily level of protein intake on days you work out and follow your routine with a high-protein snack. Your muscle will be most sensitive to nutrients at this time.
Choosing the Right Protein Supplement
In some cases, an optimal amount of protein cannot be achieved with your diet alone. This is especially true for people who live a fast-paced lifestyle, who may not always have time to sit down and prepare a protein-rich meal. Consider the following things as you search for the best protein supplement to reach your goals:
#1: What is Your Overall Health Goal?
People who are eating protein to stave off hunger while they try to lose weight will need lower amounts than people who are trying to build muscle mass. Consider what your goals are and then decide how much your protein intake needs to increase each day. You can calculate the amount of protein you need by considering your dietary needs, less the amount of protein that you get from your diet.
#2: How Much Protein Do You Get from Your Diet?
Too much protein can be dangerous, but only in extremely high quantities. Even so, you should always consider the amount of protein you intake from your diet before choosing a supplement. Some common sources of protein include meat, eggs, beans, and dairy products.
#3: What is the Biological Value (BV) of the Protein Supplement?
Our bodies do not absorb all the nutrition from the foods that we eat. Some passes through the body as waste, depending on how easily the body can absorb the nutrient. The biological value describes how easily the body is able to absorb a protein supplement. The higher the number is, the more easily the protein can be absorbed by the body.
Protein is a critical component in reaching your health goals, whether you want to lose weight, build muscle, or do a little of both. The key to getting enough protein in your diet may be supplementation. Whey proteins are easy to prepare and if you do not like the flavor, you can put them in a smoothie, baked good, or other recipe.
