Is your diet missing something?
Do you want to fit back into your “skinny” jeans?
Are there just not enough hours in the day to sit down and eat a healthy balanced meal?
If you answered yes to any of these, I will let you in on a little secret...
We all have different health goals, but the one thing we all have in common is that we need protein. Maybe you’re trying to shed a few pounds, or maybe you want to gain weight through muscle growth. You could be a vegan simply trying to get enough protein in your diet and not feel hangry* all the time.
**han·gry
ˈhaNGɡrē/adjective/informal
- bad-tempered or irritable as a result of hunger.
- "I get very hangry if I miss a meal"
While there are all different goals and lifestyles, the common denominator between them is protein. You’re probably sitting there thinking, “Why would I need the same thing in my diet that a bodybuilder does? I don’t want to get too bulky, doesn’t protein make you gain weight?” Fear not, everyone’s proteins needs are different and protein comes in many different forms, quantities, and qualities.
Here’s the basics:
Protein contains essential amino acids that our body requires for healthy functioning, but they can only be sourced through our diet. Think of amino acids as the worker cells that build the protein your body needs to function. Our body uses these amino acids for hormone control, muscle and tissue growth and repair, digestion, and more. If we don’t obtain these through diet, our health will inevitably decline.
So If you are trying to lose weight or reduce cravings, protein will help you feel full longer, therefore making you eat less calories throughout the day. If you are a bodybuilder and want to gain muscle mass, you will likely use protein supplement shortly following a workout to build and repair muscles.
Maybe you already get plenty of protein in your diet, but still can’t reach your health or fitness goal. The key is to find high-quality protein that your body can use and digest for energy and nourishment. So you ask, “Where should I get my protein from?”
Some foods are high in protein, but also contain a lot of fat or carbohydrates. The best sources of protein, for instance high-quality protein powder, will have a higher concentration of protein than it does of fats and carbs. For instance, chicken, fish, and eggs are all high in protein, without an excess of carbs or fat.
Okay so you’ve found a protein source that has the right amount of protein for your needs, but this is where things can get tricky...
So much of the food we eat is actually dangerous for our health and are linked to cancer and other diseases. From GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) to the harmful chemicals used in artificial sweeteners, trans fat, high fructose corn syrup, artificial dyes, and those ingredients you can’t even pronounce - AVOID at all costs!
Even though it’s easy to swing through the drive-thru and grab a cheeseburger, all this burger is doing is relieving your body of hunger. So many of us are eating just to feel full, when in reality our body needs so much more than that from our food.
When we eat poor quality food, not only do we feel terrible, but we are depriving our body of what it needs and adding harmful toxins and chemicals that remain in our body long after the food has passed.
So now we know that we need a source of high quality protein that can’t be found in the drive-thru burger, but we are still always on the go. What’s a convenient and nutritious solution that won’t break the bank?
I recently discovered NutraBlendz meal replacement shakes and it has literally changed my life. It’s made from the highest quality protein sources and contains a ton of other nutrients that we need, such as digestive enzymes to help our body absorb the protein. I start my morning with a shake and hit the ground running - it is the best fuel for my hustle, and makes my body feel so good!