Whether you just started bodybuilding or have been doing it for years, you’ve probably been told about the importance of consuming protein. This is because protein is considered as the foundation of muscle gain and the primary building blocks of life. We consume protein every day from foods like lean meats, dairy products, and even vegetables, as well as the supplements we take from stores in Supplement First. That said, you may still be left wondering about its importance in your health and fitness goals.
Take a look at how beneficial protein is for bodybuilders here.
Why Do You Need Protein?
Your protein needs depend on your muscle mass. The more muscle you have and the more you use it, then the more protein you will need. Bodybuilders need a lot of protein because of the amount of muscle they have, as protein helps preserve lean body mass and increase muscle mass. Moreover, bodybuilders and weightlifters will need more protein as they want to add mass and use their muscles more than the average individual.
In general, individuals who want to build muscle will need about one gram of protein per pound of body weight daily. You may need more, but this will depend on your age, activity level, and body composition goals. Remember, eating too much protein may end up being counterintuitive, as it can leave you with less room to consume other important macronutrients, like carbohydrates and fats, that also help with your training.
How to Get Enough Protein
Now that you know more about the importance of protein for bodybuilders and how much of it is needed, how can you get enough of it to gain muscle efficiently? Follow these tips:
– Swap Out Snacks: Rather than consuming carb-heavy snacks like cookies, pretzels, or granola bars, pack protein-filled snacks like protein bars, jerky, and the like.
– Supplementation: If you’re unable to get enough protein from food, you may want to consider protein supplements from Supplement First. Protein powder from stores like supplementfirst.com can go a long way, allowing you to get enough of the macronutrient if you have trouble eating enough for the day.
– Add Variety to Meats: While it may be ideal to stick to a diet filled with chicken breasts and steamed veggies, that isn’t the only beneficial healthy meal you can have. Moreover, it’s not a diet that anyone would enjoy. You should also satisfy your tastebuds by adding more variety to your meals while still getting enough protein. Besides chicken breast, you can also enjoy other protein sources like fish, shrimp, turkey breast, beef, lamb, or pork loin.
– Try Greek Yogurt: If you’re not a huge fan of meat, you can try other meat-free protein sources, like Greek yogurt. One cup of Greek yogurt can contain as much as 23 grams of protein, which you can enjoy with your oatmeal or mixed in your smoothies.
Wrapping It Up
Make sure you get enough protein a day to help reach your overall fitness goals!