4 Reasons Why Protein is Key for Muscle Maintenance and Athletic Performance

Consuming protein is just as important as your exercise regimen for muscle maintenance and athletic performance. That’s because protein is the building block of your muscles. Here are five reasons why protein is key:

1. Muscle growth. The combination of exercise and high protein intake helps promote muscle growth. It’s important to choose high quality proteins that contain all essential amino acids and branch chain amino acids (BCAAs) because they play a major role in enhancing muscle strength. OWYN’s High Protein Shakes contain a proprietary protein blend from pea protein, pumpkin seeds, and flaxseeds that provides all essential amino acids and BCAAs.
2. Muscle recovery. Protein can help repair damaged muscles and tissues. Protein intake aids in the process of building lean muscles after working out because it helps to repair any muscles that have been slightly torn during the exercise.
3. Boosts metabolism. Your body burns more calories when you consume protein than it does when you eat carbohydrates or fat. Protein takes longer for your body to burn and absorb it. When you add in weight training, which increases muscle mass, you can boost metabolism even further.
4. Increases satiety. Protein is known to be the most filling when compared to other food groups, such as carbs and fats. When we feel full, we are increasing our satiety levels, which are related to our hunger cues. This can be helpful for athletes who are fueling their bodies for long stretches of time. Since protein helps reduce appetite, it will also help reduce calorie intake for those trying to lose weight. 

Numerous studies have shown that there is a positive relationship between protein supplementation and improvement in muscle building and performance enhancement. For that reason, it’s crucial to make sure that your protein needs are being met. In order to enhance athletic performance, it’s recommended to consume 1.2-2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day. For someone that is 150 pounds, or 68 kilograms, that is 81-136 grams of protein per day. The exact amount depends on several factors – exercise intensity, exercise duration, weight goal, and frame goal.

Timing of protein intake is also important, especially if you do resistance training. Protein should be consumed about 30 minutes after a workout to help repair muscle breakdown and further build upon the muscle. OWYN’s High Protein Shakes are the perfect snack after a workout. They provide 35 grams of protein to help you reach your daily protein needs.

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