We all know that we need protein to maintain a healthy diet and good looking body. However, there are some myths about protein that can cause you to be misled and send you down the wrong path. Not all the information you hear about protein is correct. Protein is an essential nutrient for your entire body. Beware of falling for these protein myths.
Myth 1: Protein intake automatically builds muscle.
One frequent myth I hear revolves around eating protein such as chicken, meat, or other foods and magically getting biter and stronger. Unfortunately, eating protein meals is not going to make you put on muscle overnight. If you don’t have a fitness routine, the protein you eat won’t lead to muscle gains. You have to workout consistently in addition to eating protein to see results.
Myth 2: States that protein sources are all the same.
Protein gets broken down into amino acids in your body. Is the source of protein really that important. For instance if it’s coming from a candy bar with nuts or a protein shake? To be perfectly honest the source of the protein does matter. For example, animal and plant protein sources aren’t the same. The primary difference between them is that many plant sources don’t have all the essential amino acids your body requires. In addition, it’s harder for your body to extract some of the protein from plant sources.
Myth 3: You can’t overeat protein.
This is not true at all. Eating too much protein can have some negative consequences. You have been warned time and time again about eating too many carbohydrates and fats. But you don’t often hear warnings about eating too much protein? On the contrary, many believe you can’t overindulge in protein. This is simply a false belief, and there are negative consequences to eating too much protein. Some of the common problems you incur when eating too much protein is weight gain. Extra protein can turn into fat that is stored in the body. In addition, eating too much protein can cause kidney damage and bad breath.
Myth 4: You have to eat protein after every workout to see results.
You may feel it necessary to eat protein after workouts because of this myth. The whole idea behind the myth is that you need protein to rebuild the muscles you just worked. The protein can refuel your body after a strenuous workout at the gym. However, if you do not eat right away or just forget, then it’s not that big an issue. Research shows that having a large amount of protein right after a workout doesn’t offer any long-term gains or benefits. As long as you’re getting enough protein from your meals and other snacks during the day, you don’t have to rush to eat more protein right after running for a mile.
Myth 5: Protein will help you lose weight.
Protein is an important part of a weight loss plan, but eating Protein alone isn’t enough to create a successful weight loss program. For example, if you dramatically increase the amount of protein you eat, but don’t exercise or change other habits, then you may not lose any weight, in fact you may gain weight. Protein isn’t a magic pill that will melt pounds away the minute you increase your protein consumption. It’s still important to control your calories, work out, and eat healthier.
Protein is a crucial nutrient, but it’s important to avoid falling for these myths. For your best results, maintain a healthy, balanced diet with the proper amounts of Protein, Fats and Carbohydrates and be sure to exercise to stay fit.