8 Step Plan: Goal #6

The sixth goal for this 8 Step Plan is another nutritional one. I can't stress enough how big of a role nutrition plays in our overall level of fitness. Protein plays a very key role in our quest for a healthier body and lifestyle. Before we go any further there are people with very negative views on high protein consumption and like anything else if something is abused or done improperly then yes there can be negative effects. The main arguments that you will hear will be that it can be hard on the kidneys and that it will turn the Ph balance in your body acidic so your body will be less efficient at burning fat. First of all the very first goal that we made and conquered in this 8 Step Plan was proper hydration. With proper hydration an increased amount of protein does not put any extra stress on your body's kidneys. Second, to combat the acidity of protein we must consume the proper amount of an alkaline food. Well you will remember that our second goal of the 8 Step Plan was to eat 1 cup of a high alkaline vegetable with every meal. So you see all these steps have worked in a progression and by doing so we have remedied the problem before it ever started and set ourselves up to have success.

Goal #6- Eat 20-30 grams of protein per meal (note: this is a starting point for people who currently do not have enough protein in their diets)

Why Do It?-when we eat foods that contain protein our bodies break them down into amino acids which are the building blocks for our muscle tissue

-protein actually helps with all tissue repair that occurs in the body

-body uses protein to help fight illness, disease and infection

-protein helps make cartilage

-unlike carbohydrates and fats the body does not store protein so it is vital to consume the proper amount every day

How To Do It-the best type of protein to consume is high density or complete proteins. These products come from animals (eggs, milk, fish) and contain a complete chain of essential amino acids. Incomplete or low density proteins are also good for the body. These are foods such as beans or nuts (which also contain healthy fats), you just want to make sure that the amino acids are present somewhere in your diet for muscle building.

-Preparation is key to success on this goal. Cook multiple chicken breasts are similar foods in bulk so you have enough for the next couple of days.

-It is also okay to supplement with protein. A good shake can be very helpful in the morning when you are short on time. They are also great for post workout allowing your body to absorb the protein that it needs at a faster rate than it can a solid food such as tuna or a chicken breast.

The topic of protein is a very big one and it can be discussed in great detail. We have just scratched the surface here with the basics for people who are currently consuming little to no protein in their diet. If you have any questions or would like some more detailed information on protein consumption leave a comment or send me an e-mail ajzeglen@gmail.com. Until next week. Go Get It!