I’ve got an eye-opening nutrition tip for you about your muscle repair and recovery.
Before I get into it, it’s important to note that (if you didn’t already notice!), nutrition and diet is a huge topic with so much emerging new science.
BUT … here’s some indisputable background for my nutrition tip, which is all about protein.
Your body is basically made of protein.
Your body uses it to build your muscles, organs, skin and tendons … plus proteins are a major part of the enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters and more that your body uses to drive hundreds of its functions.
Not only is your body basically constructed of protein, it’s also the macronutrient that satisfies your hunger for the longest period of time. That can be helpful if you’re battling cravings or trying to cut down on your overall food intake.
So in a nutshell … protein is super important!
That’s the background … but here’s the tip:
A lot of us load up on protein-heavy foods one or two times a day – with our dinner or lunch.
But studies show that this might not actually be the most effective way to get the most out of this vital nutrient!
A better bet: spread your protein intake over the course of the day with each of your three meals, having a small to moderate amount with each meal. I recommend 20-25% of your daily food intake to consist of protein.
Researchers say that it will help you with muscle repair and recovery … and it can even help your body keep its muscle as you get older.
In fact, they even say that when you hit the age of 30, you start losing 3% to 5% of your muscle mass each year.
Studies even show that over your lifetime you can lose up to 30% of your muscle!
Less muscle = less strength = less balance = more risk of falls and fracture. Not good!
Plus, not only does keeping your muscles healthy improve your strength and quality of life, but it also is an important part of keeping your metabolism revved (i.e., burning fat) as you age.
Some of the best sources of protein include:
- Meat
- Fish
- Poultry
- Eggs
- Tofu
- Legumes (beans and peas)
- Nuts and seeds
And if getting protein is a challenge, you also can try using a protein powder in your morning smoothie. There are so many clean varieties out there to choose from and even tasty vegan sources.
Your muscles work so hard for you all day long … help fuel them with the building blocks they need to keep them healthy and strong!
If you need help with a plan that works for you and your goals, we are here to help!
Check out our Metabolic Balance ® Program here to learn more about Europe’s #1 Individualized Meal plan that is designed to optimize your health based on blood values, health history and symptoms.
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