Protein powders, protein shakes, protein bars, whey protein, soy protein\u2026 protein, this and protein that.\u00a0 Sound familiar?\u00a0 The protein fad is primarily a product of good marketing.\u00a0 When was the last time you heard someone was protein deficient?\u00a0 Protein is everywhere.\u00a0 It is not just in animal products such as meat and dairy; protein is in vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and even fruit.\u00a0 It is not necessary to focus on protein intake.\u00a0 For the average person, the daily protein requirement is only around 10-15% of total caloric intake. Most people consume far more than this long before the protein shakes and bars.<\/p>\n
Why only 10-15%?\u00a0 The human body cannot store protein.\u00a0 After it is used in our bodies to repair tissues, as well as synthesize enzymes and hormones the excess is excreted in the urine and\/or converted and stored as fat in our bodies.\u00a0 We cannot store protein and use it later.\u00a0 Our bodies store it as adipose tissue and we will use that later as energy.\u00a0 If anything, all this extra protein is contributing to the obesity epidemic, not helping anyone build muscle.<\/p>\n
If you want to figure out what your exact daily protein requirement is, it is easy!\u00a0 The average person a day needs approximately 0.8 grams per kilogram body weight.\u00a0 To convert your weight into kilograms, divide your weight by 2.2.\u00a0 Next, multiply that by 0.8.\u00a0 Now you have the amount of protein you need in grams.\u00a0 To compare this to how much you need calorically just multiply it by 4 (4 calories of protein per 1 gram).<\/p>\n
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Example:<\/p>\n
130 pounds body weight<\/p>\n
130\/2.2 = 59 kilograms body weight<\/p>\n
59 X 0.8 = 47 grams of protein needed daily<\/p>\n
47 X 4 = 189 calories of protein needed daily<\/p>\n
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After you do the math, you know how much protein you need, both in grams and in calories.\u00a0 How little you need may surprise you!<\/p>\n
Protein is essential for our bodies.\u00a0 We definitely need to consume it, but in general, Americans have put far too much of an emphasis on it. \u00a0In fact, many researchers are linking our high animal protein intake to many diseases and ailments.\u00a0 Our advice for you is to focus on the quality of protein you are consuming, not the quantity.\u00a0 And as for all of the shakes, powders, and bars\u2026save your money.<\/p>\n
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Protein powders, protein shakes, protein bars, whey protein, soy protein\u2026 protein, this and protein that.\u00a0 Sound familiar?\u00a0 The protein fad is primarily a product of good marketing.\u00a0 When was the last time you heard someone was protein deficient?\u00a0 Protein is everywhere.\u00a0 It is not just in animal products such as meat and dairy; protein is […]<\/p>\n