Why Protein Matters
Our goal is to help you thrive in life and part of thriving in life is eating protein. Simply put it’s the magic macronutrient that will help you gain muscle, get lean, burn more calories, and diminish cravings.
Some other reasons why protein matters:
Protein itself is made of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks for most stuff in our bodies. They’re like Legos that can be broken down and re-assembled in different ways. During digestion, the proteins in food are broken down into separate amino acids, which are then absorbed by the body and used to:
Build, repair and maintain body tissues
Synthesize hormones and enzymes
Supply energy when carbohydrates or fat are not available
Unlike extra fat (which we can store very easily on our bums and bellies), we don’t store lots of extra amino acids. Protein is always getting used, recycled, and sometimes excreted.
If we don’t get enough protein, our body will start to plunder it from parts that we need, such as our muscles. In addition, 100 percent of your hair and fingernails; much of your muscle, bone, and internal organs; and many hormones are made of mostly protein. Hence, protein enables most of our bodies’ functions.
So how much protein do you need?
Here is a ballpark table of the varying protein amounts as a baseline for just ‘how much’ a person needs according to their level of activity based on their Lean Body Mass (LBM):
Sedentary – 0.5g/lb of LBM
Light – 0.7g/lb of LBM
Moderate – 0.9g/lb of LBM
High – 1.1g/lb of LBM
Intensive – 1.3g/lb of LBM
Your Westside Coach will be able to help you determine your individual protein requirements when they analyze your body composition and consult with you on your lifestyle. Interested in learning more about fitness and nutrition coaching then email us!