Why Protein? What does it matter?

For those of you who are my clients you will know that i push push push the protein aspect of your diets.  And for those of you who are not my clients just so you know: i push push push the protein aspect of all my clients diets

Why?

Why is it that so many diets and lifestyles out there focus on a high protein intake? What is it about protein that is so special?

The calories we consume are made up of three main components, each with its own specific function or purpose.

Protein for Repair and Construction
Carbohydrates and Fats for Energy / Fuel

Protein is responsible for repair and construction of every cell in your body, including your hair, nails, muscle, blood, tendons and skin. Many health authorities recommend that we consume 10 – 15% of our daily calories in the form of protein, 65 – 75% in the form of carbohydrates, and as little fat as possible – approximately 10 – 20%.

Does it make sense to you that we only take in 10% of out total calories for the purpose of repair and construction of every cell in our bodies?

We are battling to keep our stored body fat down, yet we are advised to consume 90% of our calories in foods which are used by the body exclusively as fuel / energy, which in turn we must burn off everyday to avoid excess fat deposition!

When we consume an excessive amount of any calories, whether protein, carbs or fat, it will be converted in the liver to storable fat and transported to the fat cells where it awaits the opportunity to be used.

Cutting fat from the diet will not automatically reduce fat stores in the body, even though it will have the biggest impact on calorie reduction. Of all our nutrients, processed carbohydrates are the most commonly over-consumed component in modern day diets. We need good fats in our diet to help break down bad fats, and to carry fat-soluble vitamins.

Remember that carbohydrates can be converted to fat for storage in the body if consumed to excess. While protein helps control hunger!

Before agriculture and medicine our distant ancestors were hunters / gatherers and they ate ‘real’ food. Of course they had no choice, there were no processed, no refined, no enriched, no manufactured foods. And they didn’t get fat! I know they died young and they probably didn’t look all that pretty, but the point I’m making is that if we can combine the elements of the caveman diet with the wonders of medicine and disease prevention, and our knowledge about creating optimum health for our minds as well as our bodies, we can’t help but get it right.

So if it is manmade…..don’t eat it!

Finally, always keep in mind that we are what we eat, so if you want to be lean, tight and strong you need to focus on your protein and green leafy vegetables. Higher protein diets are popular at the moment, however keep in mind that a high protein diet only works if you lower your carb intake and MOVE! Thats right protein needs to be doing something, so if you want to follow this eating pattern you need to be doing exercise and in particular – weight training.

This way of living has literally saved my life, and helped many of my clients achieve the goals they set out to achieve – that is why I am fanatical about it. So I do not doubt that it can be a great help to many out there.

Always remember that your diet is not some fad that you do for a few months to strip the weight, a diet is your lifestyle, your way of living.  So always make sure you are setting yourself up for the future, create a plan that you can maintain.

Eat well, train hard and remember your mission

Pam.