As you may have heard, it is essential to consume protein to maintain a healthy diet. Protein is the key building block for many body tissues and other elements such as enzymes, skin, hair, nails, bones, and connective and muscle tissue. Protein makes up anywhere from 15-20 percent of the average persons body weight, and it is important to maintain this percentage in order live a healthy lifestyle.
The major sources of protein are found in foods such as meats, poultry, tofu, and eggs. Protein can also be found in dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. Other very good sources of protien are in protein drinks and shakes, and good quality meal replacement drinks. You should talk to your physician or other health care professional your use to find out what amount of protein is recommended for your individual body type. However, for the majority of people the recommended daily intake is around 45 to 55 grams every day, based on a 1800 to 2400 calorie diet. Of course, some people may require more or less protein depending on various personal aspects such as diet, amount of exercise, age and weight. Athletes, ( including weekend warriors) body builders, and anyone who exercises heavily on a regular basis will require more protein to build and maintain muscle. Some groups who might require more protein than average are people with chronic illnesses or those prone to get sick including seniors, and bariatric, renal, cancer, and surgical patients.
Now, for those people that need the additional protein. It is very difficult to obtain the required extra protein through food consumption alone. It could take quite a few more extra calories. There is a healthier solution. Protein powders! The protein powder is mixed with liquid such as milk, juice, or water to make a protein shake. We add extra protein to our shakes, which just adds to the nutritional value of one meal replacement shake. Protein powders are powdery mixtures of dietary supplements and other ingredients such as whey, whey isolate, creatine, calcium caseinate, isopure and isapro. They are a very good source of protein because they are easy to consume and digest. You can make a tasty protein shake by adding fruit or yogurt and milk. You can get the same amount or more of protein by drinking a protein shakes as eating a steak dinner, with a lot less calories and you spend a lot less time making aqnd eating it.
Have you heard of another form of protein supplements called liquid proteins? Liquid proteins can be made from collagen hydrolysate, or a fruit enzyme called predigested papain. Liquid proteins are protein molecules that have been broken down into free amino acids and polypeptides, which increases your protein absorption. Liquid proteins can be easily and unnoticeably mixed in with assorted foods and beverages. There are a few brands of liquid proteins availale in the marketplace nowadays. To name just a few, Pro-Stat, Isapro, Proteinex and, IsoPure. The chief benefits to liquid proteins are they allow vast amounts of good protein in a much smaller amount of substance.
Another great way to find protein is in protein bars and cookies. Protein bars and cookies are tasty convenient for busy people looking for additional protein consumption. You should keep in mind that a major disadvantage to protein bars and cookies are they can be very high in fats and sugars. If you do not like the idea of protein shakes or liquid protein you can seek additional protein in other ntritional supplements.
