If you have been working toward new fitness goals, whether you want to get stronger and faster or lose weight, then you have probably already learned that proper nutrition is key to success. Protein in particular is the focus for many, and for good reason. Protein is important to every function of your body, especially for building and preserving muscle.
Beach Body Health Club is here to help you meet your health and fitness goals with the nutrition advice you need and a high-quality beachside gym. Read on to learn more about the importance of protein, and stop into Beach Body Health Club today to talk to one of our personal trainers or nutrition specialists. Miami Beach Nutrition is located inside the club to help you meet all your nutrition needs, and you get 10 percent off all retail items with a gym membership. Call Beach Body Health Club today to get started!
Protein 101
Protein is considered a “macronutrient,” which means that you need higher levels of it compared to other “micronutrients” such as vitamins and minerals. Fats and carbs are other “macros” you may have heard some health and fitness enthusiasts tracking carefully to make sure they are meeting their nutritional needs. Protein is an essential component throughout your body, from maintaining the health of your hair and nails to your bones and muscles. However, your body doesn’t store protein like it does fat, so it can’t draw on reserves when it’s needed, and there are certain amino acids that you can only get from food, which is why it’s such an important part of a healthy diet.
Benefits
Consuming enough protein, whether through whole foods or supplements like protein powder, comes with a lot of important benefits. It provides the essential building blocks for muscle, for example, and can help heal damage and prevent the muscle breakdown that comes with exercise. It can even help you maintain strong bones and muscles as you age. Protein also helps you feel full longer and can reduce cravings. One reason it’s a major focus for fitness-minded people is because it can help you lose weight. Muscle burns energy even when you’re at rest, and those reduced cravings can help you stick to a healthier diet.
Add These Foods to Your Diet
Whenever you want to focus on a much-needed nutrient – whether it’s a macro like protein or a micro like calcium – it’s always better to swap out unhealthy choices for better whole foods rather than immediately seeking out supplements. To help you get started, we’ve listed a few healthy, low-calorie, protein-packed foods you can try!
Eggs
Whole eggs are one of the best, most nutritious foods on the planet, and egg whites are almost pure protein.
Almonds
Nuts are a great protein-packed snack, and almonds offer other important nutrients like fiber.
Chicken
Roasted chicken without the skin is an easy, delicious form of lean protein to add to your diet.
Cottage cheese
Cottage cheese is another easy snack, low in fat and high in calcium.
Greek yogurt
Choose plain Greek yogurt for a thick, creamy treat that you can mix with fruit and honey or use in place of sour cream on taco night!
Fish
Almost every kind of fish offers high protein and omega-3 fatty acids that can protect your heart. Grab a packet of tuna for a fast, on-the-go protein boost!
Remember that when you are making decisions about your diet, highly processed foods can do more harm than good, and checking the nutrition label for just the protein content can mean ignoring other, less healthy components. You should still watch out for the levels of sugar and sodium in your food. That’s why the options listed above are such great options — they are good sources of protein without including unnecessary additives.
Visit Beach Body Health Club Today
Are you passionate about reaching your health and fitness goals? Find the resources you need here at Beach Body Health Club! We are here to offer Miami Beach residents state-of-the art gym facilities, dedicated personal trainers, nutritional supplements and advice, and more. When you visit Miami Beach Nutrition, you can even try before you buy any supplements! Contact us today to learn more and use your gym membership to get 10 percent off retail items and 20 percent off any of the services we offer. We look forward to working with you toward a healthier future!