Posts tagged protein
Recommended Protein
Protein is a vital part of any athlete’s diet. An athlete that is in training should be taking at least 150% of their body weight. For example if you are a 200 pound athlete then 300 grams of protein should be consumed. If in season then closer to 200%. That much protein is not easily taken in without the help of a couple protein shakes a day. That’s why it’s important to have the right kind.
Monster Milk: This product is made by muscle milk packed with more protein (50 grams of Whey) and BCAA’s then regular
Muscle Milk for a quicker recovery. Monster Milk is also high in healthy fats (9 grams) which make it a great shake during the season to help avoid losing weight, and keep you fueled. I Wouldn’t recommended taking this as a night time shake because the high content of fat but for a morning shake or a after workout shake it is one of the best.
Optimum Nutrition: Gold Standard Whey, another protein that is also full of BCAA’s and glutamine. It’s a Whey Protein Isolates which is means it’s the most pure type by weight. This shake is great if you’re trying to put on pure muscle weight. It low in fat (1gram) and high in protein (48 grams). Lifted Athletics suggests this as a night time shake before bed to maximize your muscle gain and recovery.
Protein Shakes are an important part of your performance. Remember to take one after workouts, as a mid day snake, and before bed.
Top 5 Supplements For Gaining Muscle Mass
1. Fish Oil- With enough Omega 3s you can put your body into an anabolic (building muscle) state. Fish oil is excellent at reducing inflammation soreness post work outs allowing you to begin the recovery process faster. It also improves insulin sensitivity; allowing more amino acids and glucose to reach the cells and therefore decreases recovery time. By loading a diet with the good fatty acids you can dramatically increase gains, especially if you have been stuck at a plateau.
2. Multi-vitamin- A good multi-vitamin can do wonders for gaining muscle mass and your overall health. The human body can not produce many of the vitamins and minerals it needs on its own, it must be supplemented. After a workout a cell needs all of the necessary components to synthesize protein if any of the components are defeceient or absent the cell will enter a catabolic state. When a cell is in its catabolic(muscle break down) state it can not begin the recovery process after a workout.
3. Pure Whey Protein- A pure whey protien source is an excellent source of protein for the body. Pure whey protein is low heat processed and the important proteins such as immunoglobulins are not denatured. Its purity gives it a high content of glutathione, a very anti-oxidant protein. Whey protein is a rich source of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), containing the highest known levels of any natural food source. BCAAs are important for athletes since unlike the other essential amino acids, they are metabolized directly into muscle tissue and are the first ones used during periods of exercise and resistance training. Whey protein provides the body with BCAAs to replenish depleted levels and start repairing and rebuilding lean muscle tissue. Whey protein is also very soluble, easy to digest protein and is efficiently absorbed into the body. It is often referred to as a “fast” protein for its ability to quickly provide nourishment to muscles.
4. Carbohydrate Powders- Carbohydrate Powderworks as a source of high quantum of complex carbohydrates to the body and help it to undertake rigorous exercise and weight lifting regimes. Carbohydrate powder is designed as the dietary supplement so that your body gets nutritional benefits and stabilizes the levels of blood sugar throughout the day. The carbohydrate powder is highly recommended for pre as well as post work out supplement regimes so that your body remains in good health and shape. The powder quickly delivers glucose to the blood and raises the insulin levels. This translates into faster muscle glycogen repletion after intense workouts or competitions.
5. Post Work Out Nutrients and Meal- Immediately after exercise or workout it is critial to put the body into a state of positive protien balance. Protein balance is not just about muscle. If the body remains in a negative protein balance for too long, every cellular function can be negatively affected. Clinicians recognize the fact that a negative protein balance is a downward spiral that has similarities in both intense training and sever illness. With proper nutrition and supplementation it can be halted. It can be halted by stopping protein breakdown with insulin. Insulin increases protein synthesis by 67% compared to protein synthesis without insulin. Insulin levels can be raised with the consumption of carbohydrates.
Research has shown that liquid nutrition is the only option to rapidly supply the body with the carbohydrates and proteins it needs in a timely manner. A properly designed post-workout shake consumed within 10-15 minutes after a workout can dramatically increase and eliminate any hormonal trauma caused by exercise. It is a good idea to consume a shake and as soon as that has digested a well balanced meal to fuel the body for your next workout.
Pre Workout: 5 Foods To Help Maximize Your Lift
5. Bananas/Fruits. This quick fix of carbohydrates gives energy to the
body quickly because it is easily digested by our bodies. Banana epically are high in potassium which is what your body is begging for during and after workouts. With similar nutrients try apples, grapes, and peaches as a pre workout snack for energy. A standard banana contains roughly 105 calories, 27 grams carbohydrates and 1 gram of protein.

4. Oatmeal. Another great source of carbohydrates but also full of fiber and vitamin Bs which helps converts carbs into energy faster and more efficient for the body. A cup of oatmeal will provide about 150 calories, 5 grams of protein, 2 grams of fat, and 25 grams of carbs.
3. Yogurt. This is stored with a variety of things used for the body during a
work out. Staring with solid levels of protein and carbs, but what makes this great is the high levels of magnesium. Which kick start the metabolism of protein and carbs which the body wants to use during your workouts. 1 cup contains 32 grams of carbs, 12 grams of protein, and 3 grams of fat.
2. Almonds/other types of nuts. Packed with protein, carbs, calories and
fats this provides the energy needed for a hard lifting or cardio workout. Perfect for athletes that are training hard and often. 1 cup contains 40 grams of carbs, 26 grams of protein, 855 carioles, and 72 grams of fat. Also a good source of your daily fiber. I must take for athletes during the peak of training.
1. Pasta. This source of energy is stored therefore needs to be taken the night before or early on in the day for a workout. When you think of carb loading
pasta should be the first thing that comes to your head it provides the complex carbs for long term energy. This is not a snack before a workout but something that is useful if taken the day before an intense work load tomorrow. A cup of pasta is 40 carbs, 190 calories, and 8 grams of protein.






