Comments on: Ask The Trainer: Protein

By: Andy

Andy — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:10:04 +0000

Becca,
Balance in any meal is a good goal. Protein will help your recovery process, just not your energy levels. SO, yes, you are definitely on the right track!

By: Becca

Becca — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 01:37:45 +0000

I make a protein shake for myself and my husband almost every morning…the Whey protein, with some skim milk and some ice. Is this OK? I mean, I’ve always heard you need to incorporate some protein in your breakfast, and we’re too busy (lazy) to do eggs or anything that involved cooking. I always just sort of assumed that our protein shakes helped get our metabolism up and running?

Am I on the right track here? Or am I crazy?

By: Michelle in CA

Michelle in CA — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:35:05 +0000

PS – And by “average person”, I mean just someone wanting to be fit and healthy in general. Not someone who wants to look like Jillian Michaels, Kelly Ripa, etc.

By: Michelle in CA

Michelle in CA — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:32:34 +0000

Informative post. I am assuming his stance on protein is for the average person though because to build enough muscle to see some good definition, you do need much, much more protein then he states. I strive for one gram per pound of body weight and it’s working for me as far as seeing results in my body composition. (I lift as heavy as possible and do cardio on alternate days).

By: Danica

Danica — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:12:12 +0000

Thanks so much for posting this – I always wonder how much protein we really need and if we should use protein powders.

By: Andy

Andy — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:32:24 +0000

There is nothing wrong with limiting your refined sugars. My answers to Roni’s questions were blanket responses meant to touch on the specifics of protein and exercise. Everyone’s goals and means to achieve them should and will be different. From the macronutrient perspective, your body will treat sugar in much the same way. Many of the side effects of refined sugars are not conducive to healthy living. If this is one of your goals, then you should avoid the post workout snack and stick to pre-sorkout eating. I do not believe in diets, only healthy eating. BUt whatever you call it, it needs to fit into whatever your primary goal is. If activity is a part of your goals, then you need to account for that in your diet lifestyle. If weight loss in any fashion is the true goal, then this post really shouldn’t change what you are doing.

By: Eline

Eline — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:19:46 +0000

Thanks for the very clear message about protein. I was just wondering about your last comment: “I cannot stress enough that your body derives zero energy from protein. Protein is not an efficient source of energy for any type of workout. Sugar and fat are the primary energy building blocks. Fat is vital to any cardio sessions. Therefore, high protein diets are not effective for exercisers. As added incentive, if you exercise often while avoiding sugars and/or fats, you will stink by the end of your workouts. The process your body resorts to for energy is highly inefficient, and will make your breath and sweat stink!”
I am trying to cut out all refined sugars out of my diet as much as possible. Do you think that’s a bad idea? Is the natural sugar from fruit enough to keep you going?

By: Berni

Berni — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:44:26 +0000

Great post and following conversation. I get a little crazed on the high protein diet and what Andy talks about makes so much sense. Thanks :)

By: Andy

Andy — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 10:34:30 +0000

Daphne, It is important to note the difference between utilizing high protein diets as an appetite suppressant, and the utilization of protein surrounding workouts. They are two very different conversations. FOr some, high protein diets are very helpful in eliminating sugar cravings while simultaneously satieting the body for longer periods of time. My experience is that this may work for some, not for others. It is also a great way to eliminate some weight in the form of water being held in the body. Carbohydrates is one of the primary carriers of water in the body, and by lowering the stored carbohydrates, you lower your body’s water content.

By: MizFit

MizFit — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 10:21:46 +0000

(did you get my email? handheld is dropping mesages)

and Im in agreement whilse simultaneously like Daphne.