FUEL
Protein:
Nutritional research points out that the average diet of Americans, including athletes, is inadequate. Therefore appropriate steps need to be taken to have a proper diet. As a fundamental nutrient in producing and sustaining muscle, protein is required by the body to remain healthy. As part of a weight management program, protein helps sustain the muscles so that the body uses carbohydrates and fats for energy. This leads to a strong and toned body resulting from healthy weight management.
For athletes, the importance of protein is even greater. Athletes must ensure that they consume an optimal level of protein and essential amino acids to provide protein for synthesis and muscle repair directly after exercise and during times of rest and recovery. Protein is essential for gaining muscle and strengthening your body. Research has shown that the typical protein intake for strength athletes should be approximately 1.3 to 1.8 grams per day for every 2 pounds of body weight. That’s as much as 180 grams for someone that weighs 200 pounds. Providing the body with necessary amino acids and proteins means that muscles can grow and strengthen in response to a training regimen.
Our typical diet provides many sources of protein, including beef, chicken, fish, plants, nuts, and eggs. The issue with achieving well-balanced protein consumption is that it is often associated with foods that are high in calories and fat. Therefore, protein supplementation has become a very popular alternative for athletes. Protein supplements, like other dietary sources, are plentiful in the market. However, the challenge is finding a high-quality source of protein that the body can easily absorb and effectively put to use.
Creatine:
Many athletes are looking to get more out of their workout, taking their bodies to the next level. They are at a plateau in their performance and are looking to gain additional mass and definition but not at the expense of safety.
Creatine is found naturally in the body, with about 95% of it found in the skeletal muscle. Large amounts of creatine are lost during intense workouts, so to build muscle mass, it’s important to replace creatine. Since creatine is primarily obtained through meat sources and it’s inadvisable to consume large quantities of meat at one time, therefore, a good creatine supplement will give you what you need. Creatine helps maintain ATP levels for cellular energy and to preserve muscle glycogen, which promotes muscle mass, volume, and strength. Studies have shown that for athletes, consumption of creatine only needs to be about 5 grams per day. Anything above that will just be wasted from the body. Getting the proper and cleanest creatine is what is important.