Make the most of quality protein depending on how you train

Proteins are the main component of cells, muscles, and other tissues. What's more, they are often referred to as the "building blocks of life." Why is this said? How can we make the most of quality protein? Read on…

Why Do We Need Proteins?

Proteins are part of the cells, tissues, and organs of our body, such as:

• Muscle mass
• Collagen, which provides strength and structure to tissues (e.g., cartilage)
• Skin, hair, and nails
• Hemoglobin, which transports oxygen throughout the body
• Most hormones, which act as chemical messengers in the body, are also proteins
• Enzymes, which regulate all aspects of metabolism
• Antibodies, which are involved in the immune response

In sports, protein intake becomes even more important, as it helps us improve our physical performance and body composition:

• Increases muscle mass
• Increases muscle strength and power
• In hypocaloric diets, an increase in protein is recommended
• Promotes fat loss

Assuming that the consumption of protein in food is paramount, taking protein in supplement form ensures that the intake of quality protein covers all our needs, minimizing the number of calories and facilitating its assimilation.

How does protein affect you depending on how you consume it?

DEPENDING ON YOUR WORKOUT, YOU CAN GET MORE OUT OF QUALITY PROTEIN INTAKE, which can be BEFORE, DURING, or AFTER training, and even the TYPE OF SUPPLEMENT YOU CHOOSE can make a significant difference:

• AFTER TRAINING. – This applies to ALL SPORTS. An Isolate Whey Protein after any type of workout. Although in the case of endurance or long-distance sports, I recommend a Recovery after exercise, which will also provide you with proteins, as well as fast-absorbing carbohydrates and minerals. And then, at the next meal, I could include the Whey Protein shake.

• BEFORE TRAINING. – If, for example, it has been many hours since you last ate, drinking a Protein shake will provide you with the amino acids you need for proper performance and protein synthesis. A Protein that provides some quality carbohydrates would be ideal.

• DURING LONG OR VERY EXPLOSIVE WORKOUTS (Crossfit, calisthenics, athletics…). – a Protein with digestive enzymes for proper assimilation will ensure the constant supply of amino acids you need and get you to the finish line perfectly.

• BEFORE GOING TO SLEEP OR IF YOU ARE GOING TO FAST FOR PROLONGED PERIODS. – Undoubtedly, Casein is the most suitable, as its slow release will ensure a constant supply of amino acids for 6-7 hours.

• ANOTHER NON-DAIRY PROTEIN SOURCE. – In all the previous cases, depending on your preference or better tolerance, Vegan Protein can be used as a substitute for dairy-based proteins. It is ideal for vegan diets, but also for people with lactose intolerance.

• OPTIMIZE PROTEIN ABSORPTION. – If you want more tips to get more out of your protein, don't miss this other article, in which I talk in depth about the topic of how to better assimilate protein.

Always choose quality proteins

We always emphasize this issue a lot; in the current market, we find a great variety of brands and types of proteins to choose from. Always make sure that the protein you choose to consume. To do this, you must look for protein that is of high biological value, contains a good amount of BCAAs for muscle recovery, and the origin of the raw materials. In this article on How to know if protein is quality? you can get more information.