The Importance of Adequate Protein Intake for Bodybuilders

Whether you are a beginner or veteran to bodybuilding, you probably already know that adequate protein intake is extremely important if building muscle mass is your primary goal.  Most experts recommend that bodybuilders consume up to twice as much protein as a sedentary person. 

Even if you are weight training regularly, consuming inadequate amounts of protein will result in slower strength and muscle gains, and can even lead to muscle loss! 

So we know that anyone involved in highly intense training needs to consume enough protein-but have you ever wondered exactly why protein intake is so important? 

Here are the main reasons why bodybuilders require more protein then inactive people:

  • Additional protein is needed to compensate for the increased breakdown that occurs during and after workouts.  When you train at a high intensity, your body releases enzymes that oxidize certain amino acids in the muscles.  The body then begins to use them as a source of energy, depleting the levels of protein in your body.

  • Building muscle requires you to maintain a positive nitrogen balance.  This simply meas that your body needs to retain more protein than it excretes or uses as fuel.  It needs the extra protein to repair and rebuild muscle and connective tissue.protein powder

Now that you understand the reasons why bodybuilders and athletes require more protein, it's important to know how much protein needs to be consumed daily.

There really isn't a "magic" number, but most experts recommend that you consume about 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight.  For example, a 180 lb man would want to consume about 180 grams of protein each day divided into 6 meals.  This equates to about 30 grams of protein each meal. 

This example shows the importance of consuming at least 5 - 6 meals daily.  Any less and your body will have a very hard time digesting your meals properly. 

Remember that it's important that you consume only high quality sources of protein from muscle building foods.  Eating low quality protein is difficult for the body to digest.  Whey protein powder is also a great way to consume high quality protein.  Check out the whey protein review page.



 
 
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