Are you looking to tone down or bulk up? If so, then you probably already know that protein can play a major role in your muscle-building efforts. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to this macronutrient; by understanding the truth behind these myths, you’ll be in a better position to achieve your health and fitness goals.
Myth 1: You Can Never Have Too Much Protein
When it comes to your daily intake of macronutrients (fat, protein, and carbohydrates), it’s all about balance. Eating too much protein means you’re likely not getting enough of those other important nutrients, and your health (and physique!) could suffer as a result. Try to stick to around 50 grams of protein per day, which is what the average adult needs.
Myth 2: The Best Time for Protein is Post-Workout
Indulging in a post-workout protein shake may be tempting, but you actually don’t always need protein after a workout. For the best results, you should be getting your protein gradually throughout the day. Slamming a post-workout shake generally has no beneficial impact.
Myth 3: It Doesn’t Matter How You Get Your Protein
Not all protein is the same; ideally, you should be getting your protein from sources rich in all the essential amino acids, such as whey protein isolate. While veggies can be sources of protein, they generally don’t contain the large numbers of amino acids that are beneficial to your health.
Myth 4: Eating Protein Increases Your Energy Levels
Another common myth is that if you’re tired, you probably haven’t eaten enough protein. However, unless you’re a vegan who is clearly not getting enough amino-acid-rich protein in your diet or are otherwise depleted of protein, then it’s more likely that your exhaustion has more to do with a lack of sleep than your diet.
Myth 5: Increasing Your Protein Intake Will Boost Muscle Mass
Eating more protein alone isn’t enough to grow your muscles. In order for increasing your protein intake to be effective in growing muscle mass, you must also stick with a strength-training regimen. From there, protein will provide the nutrients needed for your muscles to grow larger and stronger, but only after you’ve put them to work.
These are just a few of the most common myths surrounding protein. Are you guilty of falling for any of these? With this new information in mind, hopefully you’ll be able to make better informed decisions regarding your daily diet and nutrition and, as a result, successfully achieve your fitness goals.
Source: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/protein
