Why Your Diet Should Include Plenty of Protein

Protein is an important component of every cell in the body. Hair and nails are mostly made of protein. Your body uses protein to build and repair tissues. You also use protein to make enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals. Protein is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood.

Along with fat and carbohydrates, protein is a "macronutrient," meaning that the body needs relatively large amounts of it. Vitamins and minerals, which are needed in only small quantities, are called "micronutrients." But unlike fat and carbohydrates, the body does not store protein, and therefore has no reservoir to draw on when it needs a new supply.

IMPORTANT: PROTEIN IN THE MORNING AND BEFORE BED IS CRUCIAL, IN MY OPINION!

Remember why we call it "Breakfast" because you are breaking your fast

How Much Protein Is Enough? What type is the best to eat?

The older you get the more protein your body requires to continue to repair damage from environmental elements to simple wear and tear.

Here are my recommendations:

• Egg white omelet with tomatoes and low fat cheese in the morning
• Protein shakes throughtout the day; late morning and mid-afternoon
• Chicken or fish for dinner (Costco has some terrific frozen fish ready to cook)
• Protein shake minutes before you retire for the night! Very important!

Again, consume a protein shake before you go to bed! I happen to love Muscle Milk, it's inexpensive and has the perfect blend of protein and "good" fats to effectively prevent muscle and cellular breakdown while you sleep. Sleeping puts your body in a catabolic state, meaning a state of vulnerability. Even though your cells may be repairing on one level, you muscles and bones breakdown IF you do not have an adequate amount of protein in your system.

Here's the key, you want something that assimilates quickly within your system. That's why I recommend a protein shake, it's simple and quick. You will also notice a deeper more sound sleep and awaken much more rejuvenated in the morning. This is obviously a substantial benefit!

Most protein shakes come with 18-30 servings depending on the manufacturer and costs range from $20-$40 for a month's supply - well worth it!

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