Healthy RGV Issue 107 - October Has Us Thinking Pink

FITNESS & BEAUTY · OCTOBER 2017
Protein powders are designed to give
our bodies the essential nutrients they
need to rebuild and regenerate cells.
THE
ULTIMATE
GUIDE TO
PROTEIN
Finding the perfect workout routine
and finding time to do it while trying
to juggle all the other aspects of your
life can be a headache inducing to say the
least. Often what seems like the perfect fit
winds up being a disaster waiting to happen.
No matter which type of exercise you most
enjoy, to get to the optimal level (for you)
you need to put in a lot of effort, make the
time, let go of excuses, and find a way to
ensure we’re not doing irrevocable damage
to our bodies. So how do you do that?
It all comes down to treating our bodies
right. We know that we have to wear the
right equipment, monitor our heart rates, use
the proper form, and remember to hydrate,
but one vital element we often miss is
remembering to monitor our nutrient intake.
Protein is essential to a healthy body. It
promotes healing and keeping our muscles
and joints intact. We’ve
seen the late-night ads
pitching protein shakes,
protein powders, and protein
bars. They’re everywhere.
Everywhere from the
health food stores to the
neighborhood grocery store
has shelf space dedicated
to our protein health. The
iniquitousness of it has made
many a consumer wary of
its use. There are countless
misconceptions about protein powders and
how it will transform lanky men and women
to powerhouse, muscle-heads. Let’s dispel
that misconception right now.
Protein powders are designed to give our
bodies the essential nutrients they need to
rebuild and regenerate cells. They enhance
muscle growth, not build bulk. They assist
with speedy recovery after a workout.
Protein is crucial for our diets. We can’t
skimp on it because of some misconceptions.
We need it in our bodies. It feeds our bodies
the amino acids that we need to break down
and create new cells.
Now, that you understand that, you need
to also understand that not all protein
powders are great for you. You must choose
the right one for you. This isn’t the time
to go willy-nilly and pick up every product
on the shelves. No shelf clearing here. This
is the time to do your homework, consult
a nutritionist or your doctor, get the
information you need to make wise choices.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
Choose an option with minimal
ingredients. If you can’t pronounce
the ingredients, be wary. You want
clean and pure to get the most benefit. If
you’re going to add the powder to a shake or
smoothie, use whole foods, healthy fats, and
always include good sources of fiber. Organic
protein powder is ideal if you can find it.
Don’t buy any that have added
sweeteners. The sweeteners
diminish the health benefits. (Tip:
Sugar has many names. Check the labels. Do
a quick search online.)
Become familiar with the different
types of protein. Here are a few
examples: Whey Protein, Paleo Protein,
Collagen Protein, and Vegetable-Based
Protein
Do your homework. Find what works best
for you and remember to hydrate and add
healthy fibers to your diet.
By Fabienne Claude
32 HEALTHY MAGAZINE