Mention ‘sports nutrition’ to most athletes and coaches and the first word that comes to mind is carbohydrates.

That’s understandable. We all know how essential carbohydrate is to sports performance.

But there’s another essential component of sports nutrition that’s equally important, one that athletes and coaches (and people interested in weight loss) often underestimate at their peril.

And that’s PROTEIN.

A typical protein molecule.

Protein is so much more than just an essential nutrient – it’s the largest component in the body after water, typically representing about 15% of body weight. What’s more, most of this protein mass is found in muscle, which helps explain the importance of protein to athletes.

The problem here is this… almost all studies I’ve read on protein supplementation demonstrated a recurring problem in the subjects being studied, (whether they were athletes or weight loss individuals), and that’s that they are regularly deficient in the recommended protein intake and total calorie intake according to the American Dietetic Association’s recommended levels.  And using a protein supplement once or twice daily raised the individual back to the recommended intake.

There is a lot of good research that points to improvements in strength gains and lean muscle mass with a protein supplement, but there is still much controversy about the benefit of protein supplementation on performance in sports, power, and resting testosterone and cortisol levels.  Some say it improves, some say there is no change.

However, one thing that is consistent in the research is that protein supplementation improved the person’s recommended protein intake levels and caloric intake to the desired range.  And that alone is very important to you accomplishing your goals.  If you read this blog regularly you know how important meeting your correct daily calories and protein levels are.

Talk to an Athlon Elite trainer today about what protein supplement we recommend and why, and when to ideally take it for the best gains.

Create a powerful day… (and get your protein and calories at the right levels today)!!!