7 Day Fitness Blog

Protein and You: What Is The FUSS About???

You see them at the gym. You know them?  The pseudo-bodybuilder males, chugging down thick fluid in clear containers like no tomorrow in hopes of bulking up and leaning their bodies out.   But contrary to popular belief, protein is beneficial and a mandatory requirement for the body, yet it gets a pretty bad rap.  A lot of people, especially women, fear taking protein supplements. Why?  I have heard so many different misconceptions!  The main one, though, is that females fear that they will look like that guy–the muscular, steroid-induced, fat veined guy.  I mean, what chick wants to look like that? Not many of us.  And some men don’t particularly aim that high either. So, today, I will break down to you the benefits of protein for the body, for EVERYbody, not just for athletes or those trying to stay in shape.  Everyone needs protein in some capacity, you just have to find what works for you. 

First off, protein comes in so many different varieties and flavors.  Some of the food you eat daily is full of protein.  For example, who eats boneless, skinless chicken breasts? I do, and I bet you do, too.  That has a lot of protein, about 7 or more grams per serving to be exact.  Some other examples of protein we eat daily are as follows:

·        Turkey

·        Seafood

·        Pork tenderloin

·        Nuts

·        Beans

·        Vegetables, like broccoli

·        Eggs, to a certain extent, because they also contain cholesterol

·        Tofu, for my vegan lovers out there, and so much more…

So, let’s talk about the benefits of protein and what it does for the body.  Protein is vital for the body’s organs, is found in all cells, detrimental for the health of our hair, nails, and for maintenance of the beauty of our skin, and so much more.  One important thing we need to note about protein, especially for those trying to lose weight, is that protein contains 4 kCal per gram, while lipids (or fats) contain 9 kCal per gram.  What does this mean?  Protein is more compact and makes us lighter and smaller, while fat creates a pudgy, fluffier individual.  Protein also builds lean muscle, which burns more calories than fat does.  It also repairs our muscles and provides a small source of energy.  Also, protein is one factor in our diets that keeps us satisfied and full when we eat right.

On the other hand, what happens if we don’t consume enough protein or none at all?  A whole lot of health conditions can and will occur, so let me name a few.  Do you recall seeing those infomercials on Saturday or early Sunday mornings, and the little children from third world countries are looking back at you with swollen bellies?  Well, this condition is called kwashiorkor, a protein deficiency disease that causes edema, or swelling, in the belly and legs, as well as diarrhea, fatigue, a fatty liver, and failure to thrive or grow.  So apparently, we should consume accordingly to prevent these types of things from happening of course, right?  Yes! So eat up (or drink) and get the right amount of protein that your body needs to produce the health results you want and need.  And if you are unsure of how much you should consume, consult your doctor (because that’s what they went to school for!).