Why talk about protein? Why is it important in one’s daily diet? Protein is an essential nutrient that our bodies need to build new muscle tissue and to maintain pre-existing muscle tissue. Protein is made up of amino acids which are building blocks of the body and muscles. Without amino acids it would be impossible to build, repair, or even maintain muscle tissue. Protein is a mixture of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. Sufficient amounts of protein allow the body to be in an anabolic state which allows for muscle growth and repair. If you are not receiving an adequate amount of protein throughout the day, the body then goes into a catabolic state. This means that that the body actually fuels up by breaking down muscle for energy.
Now you might be asking yourselves the following question: How does this relate to outdoor activities? How does this help me?
First off, when participating in any outdoor activities, whether it’s jogging, walking, going on a hike, or playing a sport, one is using their energy and needs energy to give it their all in any activity they do. This energy comes from carbohydrates (carbs), which is where people receive their energy source. With this said, protein is then needed afterwards so that it can refuel and repair the muscle tissue that has been worn out during any physical activity. Even though protein intake isn’t something many people take into consideration when their being actively engaged outdoors it is definitely important to aid general health and fitness.
Now you might be asking yourselves the following question: How does this relate to outdoor activities? How does this help me?
First off, when participating in any outdoor activities, whether it’s jogging, walking, going on a hike, or playing a sport, one is using their energy and needs energy to give it their all in any activity they do. This energy comes from carbohydrates (carbs), which is where people receive their energy source. With this said, protein is then needed afterwards so that it can refuel and repair the muscle tissue that has been worn out during any physical activity. Even though protein intake isn’t something many people take into consideration when their being actively engaged outdoors it is definitely important to aid general health and fitness.
- Here is a helpful list of protein sources:
- Chicken
- Greek yogurt
- Protein bars
- Turkey
- Fish
- Lean beef
- Cottage cheese
- Whey protein powder
- Egg whites
- Tuna
- Low/Non-fat cheese
- Any kind of jerky
References:
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jamesk1.htm
Created by, Wendy Cruz