Why do I Need Protein?

I used to think that protein was just for men. They want to bulk up and be buff. Well, I was all wrong. I have learned many things over the years and one of them is that we all need protein as a healthy part of our diets. Your body uses protein to build and repair tissues. You also use it to make enzymes, hormones and other body chemicals. It is an important building block of bone, muscle, skin, blood and cartilige.

Protein, like fat and carbohydrates, is a "Macronutrient". Which simply means that our bodies need a lot of it. But unlike fat and carbs, our body does not store protein. It must be consumed everyday in your meals and snacks. But many of the foods we eat on a regular basis have protein. You don't have to sit around and eat chicken and steak all day. Protein is found in meats, poultry, fish, green leafy veggies, broccoli, beans, peas, whole grains, nuts. The list can go on and on.

This is not to say however, that you should stick with a high protein diet. That really is not all that good for you. You need to find a way to get a balance out of your diet. You need fats, carbohydrates, proteins, and the vitamins and minerals found in veggies. So, while we as workout enthusiasts like to think that we need all the protein we can shove in our bodies, it's not necessarily true. Just be sure to get a little protein with every meal along with your carbs and veggies. Your muscles will get built. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day. And neither will your body be. Be patient, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, get plenty of water, and plenty of sleep and your body will give you the results that you are looking for.