Protein and Weight Lifting - What is Protein and How Much Do I Need When Weight Lifting?

Protein is found in animals and vegetables. Proteins contain nitrogen which is derived from amino acids. Proteins have 20 amino acids 9 of which are essential amino acids. The 9 consist of:

1. Threonine

2. Leucine

3. Lycine

4. Isoleucine

5. Methionine

6. Phenylalanine

7. Tryptophan

8. Valine

9. Histadine (which is considered semi essential).

If you are using any weight training program your body will need these to grow muscle. If your body does not get enough of them it will begin a process of breaking down your muscle tissue to get them. Therefore, you must consume a high protein diet while weight training. How much protein to consume at each meal depends on your body weight. A rule of thumb is 0.08 grams per pound of body weight.

Animal proteins contain all the necessary proportions of essential amino acids. This makes animal proteins the best source of the 9 nutrients which are present and in the ideal proportions at the same time. This is important if your goal is to build muscle. Vegetable proteins do not contain sufficient amounts of them and are not considered for muscle building. The protien derived from vegetables is not easily digestible by the body. Animal protein and lots of it are the best way to promote muscle growth.

If you are trying to build muscle it is important to consume protein at every meal to ensure maximum use and availability of protein. Eating more protein will result in high levels of the 9 essential amino acids. Remember only protein can build muscle. So, if you are weight lifting you will need to make sure that you are getting a sufficient amount of protein to build muscle. Proteins are known as the building blocks of muscle.

Whatever weight training program you are following ( if it's worth it's weight in gold), should have come with a nutrition plan. Pay strict attention to your nutrition plan. Your nutrition plan plays a big role in your success.

Personally I consume a high protein meal 1 hour before a workout and immediately follow my workout with a carb meal.

Hope this helped you.

D

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D

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