Protein has a pretty good reputation in the fitness industry but protein is more than just growing bigger muscles.
Protein helps to keep you feel full and satisfied, which is important if your goal is weight loss.
Here are some things to consider when including more protein in your diet:
1. Protein sources
The most common sources of protein are animal sources like red meat, chicken, fish and seafood, dairy products and eggs. But protein is also found in a number of plant-based sources, like soy, legumes, nuts and seeds and some grains.
Did you know, not all protein is equal? Most plant-based sources (with the exception of soy) are often missing one or two essential amino acids (the things the body uses to make protein), this means if you follow a plant-based or vegan diet, you may need to eat more or a combination of different sources to meet your needs.
2. How much?
For most people, aiming for 0.8g of protein per kilogram of body weight is enough. But if you are someone that does a lot of heavy resistance training or is looking to build lean body mass, these requirements will be higher (around 1.2 – 2.0g/kg/day).
Reminder – going over these estimates (i.e. >3.0g/kg.day) is not going to mean increased muscle growth!
Want more information or personalised advice, click here to request a consultation with our dietitian.
– Coach Jenna (ROAR Accredited Practising Dietitian)