High Protein Diets & Weight Lifting
Nutrition is a very important part of any weight lifting program. Many athletes prefer to follow a high-protein diet. A high-protein diet serves many purposes and is regarded as essential for those trying to gain strength and build mass.
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Identification
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Protein is the building block of muscle tissue. Protein is an important component in the body. It is essential for strong nails, healthy hair, and it plays an important role in the repair of tissues. Weight lifters and bodybuilders often eat a diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates to lose weight and gain lean muscle.
Function
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Diets higher in protein, help build muscle mass when combined with resistance exercises. More muscle means that the body burns more calories at rest and increases metabolism. A diet that is high in protein and is limited in carbohydrates, will force the body to burn fat for fuel.
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Considerations
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To build muscle or gain weight, consume 1 to 2 grams of protein for every pound of body weight. For muscle maintenance, consume 1 gram of protein for every pound of body weight.
Diet Plans
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To get more protein into your diet, add lean meats such as chicken or steak or salmon. Cottage cheese and eggs also are high in protein. Many bodybuilders and athletes get an extra dose through protein powder supplements
Warning
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Diets that are high in protein might not be a good choice for everyone. People with kidney or liver disease should not follow a high-protein diet. As with any diet program, check with your doctor before attempting to lose weight.
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