Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Pro Pro Proteeeeeein Packed Punches. Why is Protein Important?

So to review about carbs before we move to Proteins....

Carbs are basically sugar, starches and fibers.

The primary function of carbohydrates is to provide energy for the body, especially the brain and the nervous system. An enzyme called amylase helps break down carbohydrates into glucose (blood sugar), which is used for energy by the body.

When you eat carbs, the body breaks them down into simple sugars, which are absorbed into the bloodstream. As the sugar level rises in your body, the pancreas releases a hormone called insulin. Insulin is needed to move sugar from the blood into the cells, where the sugar can be used as a source of energy.

Every cell in our body contains protein. It is a major part of the skin, muscles, organs, and glands. Protein is also found in all body fluids except pee and bile (ew vom)

Protein is important for growth and maintenance. Think about it...why does everyone tell you to have protein after a hard work out...you need protein to REPAIR your body. You have carbs before a workout....for the energy and fuel for that work out...and protein after so you can repair your body and grow them muscles you are after (don't worry gals you WON'T get bulky)!

Proteins are the basic building blocks of the body...and many people do not eat enough protein! I mean...I confess I am a carb craver.....our body is designed to love carbs...the instant rush of energy, who doesn't love that....but we must not forget to eat our proteins people!

There are several types of proteins:

Complete proteins contain all nine essential amino acids. Complete proteins are found in animal foods such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products such as yogurt and cheese. Soybeans are the only plant protein considered to be a complete protein. Your body digests and uses animal proteins easier then plant based ones.

Incomplete proteins lack one or more of the essential amino acids. Sources of incomplete protein include beans, peas, nuts, seeds, and grain.

Plant proteins can be combined to provide all of the essential amino acids and form a complete protein.

Its important to get a variety of proteins as well. Don't just eat all beans.....add in other things like yogurt, cottage cheese, meat, eggs....your body likes variety...just like feet. What foot wants to wear the same shoe each day? As if.

Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to form proteins. When proteins are digested, amino acids are left. Your hot bod requires a number of amino acids to grow and breakdown food.

Amino acids are classified into two groups:

-Essential amino acids cannot be made by the body and must be supplied by food. These include cysteine, lysine, and tryptophan. Sources of essential amino acids include milk, cheese, eggs, certain meats, vegetables, nuts, and grains. Salmon people salmon!

-Nonessential amino acids are made by the body from the essential amino acids or normal breakdown of proteins. They include aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and glycine.

Your body can only absorb so much protein. Don't go out and be crazy and eat only protein.

When you eat a protein and a carb together...the protein slows the digestion of the carb....resulting in feeling more full for longer, oh holla thank you protein friend!

My fav sources of protein:

-nuts, almonds!

-Greek yogurt

-chicken breast

-ground lean turkey

-Quinoa is actually really nice in protein

-milk...chocolate milk that is lowfat is GREAT after a workout

-lean red meat (filets!)

-egg whites....I love me some boiled eggs

-black beans...great in fiber too..and at this age...we all need fiber. You can even sing the magical fruit song.....

-fish....salmon...wild caught is great for you!

-shrimp or scallops!

-peanut butter...the all natural kind!

To me, protein powders are hard...many times they are incomplete proteins....and not high quality proteins. You really need to read the labels of those things....and investigate. Same with protein bars. Most of them have high sugars you don't need and not a great source of overall protein....plus they are uber processed. Just really read the labels and research before you eat powders and bars.

NOW go forth and rebuild thy muscles......you need proteins for growth, repair.....and overall health. Proteins keep you healthy!!!! They are lower calories than carbs...but you need both for your body.

Protein builds the body.......and carbs provide energy for the body...and now what do fats do?

.......soon we will talk about fat, that is right chub chasers.....we all need some fat! munch munch

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