You don’t necessarily have the time to cook a steak dinner every night, but you do want to increase your protein intake – perhaps to increase your fit-life nutrition for 2017. These simple tips to increase protein in your diet can help you achieve adequate athlete protein intake and discover the best version of you, both in and out of the gym.

 

The Importance of Adequate Protein in Your Diet

Before we get into the how, we should probably discuss the why. Why should you add more protein to your diet, anyway? Getting adequate protein in your diet is essential because, while carbohydrates are the body's preferred source of fuel, protein is especially essential for energy and muscle preservation for endurance athletes. Mainly known for its role in repairing and maintaining the muscles, protein also plays a role in energy supply. In particular, if you are working on body building your muscle tissue requires protein for repair, maintenance and growth.

 

Recommended Athlete Protein Intake

As stated by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:

• athletes need about 1 gram of protein per kilogram to maintain muscle mass; and
• to build muscle mass, athletes require 1.4 to 1.8 grams of protein per kilogram, equal to about 0.64 to 0.82 grams of protein per pound of body weight each day.

Snack on Metagenics Protein Fitness Bar

Metagenics Ultra Protein Bar are a great source of protein – to help build and repair your body tissues – and is especially convenient in its to-go packaging. In addition, these delicious bars deliver hydrolyzed collagen, whey protein isolate and a variety of vitamins to your highly deserving body. With 19 grams of protein per serving, these little beauties can account for about one-third of your protein intake per day, depending on your endurance level and weight. 

Add Protein Powder to Your Morning Juice

Metagenics BioPure Protein is a bioactive pure whey protein concentrate with naturally occurring immunoglobulins that promote healthy immune system function. Simply mix about two scoops of the protein powder with your cold morning beverage (juice or water) or add to your favourite recipe once daily. Things you should avoid adding the protein to include hot water, foods that require baking/boiling, pineapples and papayas. At 16 grams of protein per serving this powder almost out-does the fitness bars – it's just a matter of convenience and preference.

 

Add Seed to Your Breakfast

A great way to add protein to your breakfast, whether it's cereal, eggs or oatmeal, without mucking with the taste is by sprinkling a little Landish 3 Seed Protein Powder on top. Landish3 Seed Protein Powder is a super nutrient-dense plant-based protein blend made from cold-pressed organic hemp, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds. Seed powders are more nutritious than other plant proteins without having the gassiness or chalky taste you get from pea, rice or soy proteins. Perfect for adding complete protein, fibre and micronutrients to smoothies for breakfast, afternoon snack or pre/post-workout routine. It contains no sugar or sweeteners added, and helps to pretty significantly aid in your needed daily protein intake, which usually ranges from 75 to 100 grams per day, depending on your body weight and activity level. Getting the adequate athlete protein intake on a regular basis isn't nearly as daunting as you may have thought – on the contrary, it's simple, quick and dare we say delicious. The boost in fuel and muscle maintenance will surely be appreciated by your hard-working tissues, too.