After "vegging out" last week it's time to make sure we are including enough protein with those healthy carbohydrates and fats.
Eating enough protein is necessary to build and maintain healthy muscle mass, while also supporting tendon, ligaments and other body tissue. Other benefits of protein:
It is a component of every cell in your body. In fact, hair and nails are mostly made of protein.
Your body uses it to build and repair tissue.
You need it to make enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals.
It is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood.
Speeds recovery after exercise
Reduces muscle loss
Builds lean muscle
Helps you maintain a healthy weight
Curbs hunger
Since protein requirements differ based on your body composition and activity level, use this calculator to determine about how much protein you should be eating each day (leave goal multiplier at "0" for now).
This week try to get within 15 grams of your daily protein goal.