To eat protein or not to eat protein that is the question
As we all know protein is essential for building and repairing muscle, but did you know that having a higher protein diet can contribute to a decrease in body fat? Yes, its true. Eating more protein can help you lose weight and maintain lean muscle mass, this is because protein based foods require more metabolic processing than carbohydrates or fats. In fact metabolic rate has been seen to double when compared to eating carbohydrates or fat. For example, if you were to eat a high protein diet containing 3000 calories around 300 of those calories you just consumed will be burnt off just by eating, as 10% of calories consumed will be burnt just to process the protein based food. However, carbohydrates will not have the same effect as only 5% of calories will be used to process the carbohydrates consumed therefore only burning 150 calories within this hypothetical 3000 calorie diet.
Is a high protein diet dangerous? I hear you say and the answer is no as long as you are healthy with no underlying health problems e.g. kidney dysfunctions. A study by (Portmans and Dellalieux 2000) observed body builders consuming 1.3gs of protein per 2.8kg of body weight. Kidney function was not affected in fact; a study by (Sterck et 1992) showed that within female rats, kidney function was improved with a high protein diet. Furthermore, studies by Dr. Wayne W. Campbell from the University of Arkansas have consistently shown positive results for weightlifters who consume healthy lean meat when compared to vegetarian weightlifters. Campbell has shown that by consuming lean protein sources, the weightlifters were able to lose body fat (2.9 lbs) and gain (3.7 lbs) of lean muscle mass. Unfortunately the vegetarian subjects gained fat by (0.2 lbs) which is not much but who wants to gain fat? Also they ended up losing (2.4 lbs) of muscle. Now I don’t know about you but if I did not gain muscle and ended up losing that much lean muscle mass over a 12 week period I would be Pi.... off!! So there you have it - just a few reasons why you should eat protein. Hope this helps inform you guys and remember it’s all about The gym grind - all day every day!
Shane @ The Gym Grind
Also Check Out Our New Park Gyms Post On Thursday "Park Gym Free FatBurning"
Also Check Out Our New Park Gyms Post On Thursday "Park Gym Free FatBurning"
