Lets talk about protein! I have noticed a lot of my clients struggle to get enough protein. Protein is so important and will play a pivotal role in your success. Below I’ve listed six facts/tips regarding protein.
- Protein is very filling– Protein is the most satiating macronutrient, and is therefore great at preventing overeating. Try to make a habit of eating the protein in your meal first before moving on to the carbs and fats.
- Protein helps with fat loss– High protein diets are crucial when attempting to lose fat. All too often when dieting, people try to eat as little as possible. You will certainly lose weight that way, but you will not be happy with the results because you will also lose a lot of muscle. Muscle is what gives your body shape and it is important to hold on to as much muscle as possible when dieting. Protein is so awesome because one of its main functions is to save existing muscle. So if you are trying to burn fat be sure to get lots of protein.
- Protein helps with muscle gain– If your goal is to put on size/muscle, protein is also really important. Your muscles are literally made of protein and it’s needed to build new muscle. If your protein intake is too low, you will struggle to pack on lean mass.
- How much protein should I be eating? I recommend that all my clients eat roughly .7 – 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight depending on how active you are. So if you weigh 160lbs, aim for around 112-160 grams of protein each day.
- Can I get enough protein on a vegan diet?– Absolutely! Some great sources of protein for vegans are Tofu/Tempeh, Seitan, Lentils, Quinoa and Vegan protein powder
- Protein shakes– If you’re struggling to get enough protein with your meals, try adding in a protein shake!