Protein

Looking for a Recipe – High Protein Snacks?

When you have fitness goals, protein is crucial. It’s imperative that you get enough protein to repair and build the muscle tissues you are working so hard on. From whey protein shakes to protein bars, there are numerous ways to get your protein up. If you’re online looking for a recipe – high protein snacks, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ve already got several recipe – high protein snacks in this blog. You can check out a fairly recent addition in the comment section of this blog post. Nate put up two excellent recipes: one for a homemade protein bar or meal replacement bar and one for a recovery drink. Both are excellent sources of fitness nutrition.

If you like shakes for your protein, take a look at this simple recipe – high protein snacks that I posted last year. It’s a banana protein shake recipe that is a staple in my personal nutrition regimen. I’m big on smoothies and throwing some protein powder into the blender with some fruit and yogurt is my favorite way to increase my protein intake for the day.

Want more? Simply type “recipe” in the search box on the right and you’ll get a ton of blog posts with high protein snacks ideas!

Another quick recipe – high protein snacks is the ever popular and easy egg-white omelet. Use 3-4 egg whites and some veggies for a great breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack. Pair it with a protein shake if you’re really trying to boost your daily intake. If you want to add turkey sausages or some meat, be sure to check out the sodium levels. While processed meats may be yummy, they aren’t always the best choice.

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to eating right. Before you know it you are eating the same things day in and day out. Try to add something new a few times a week. Not only will this keep things interesting, it will keep your nutrition on track and lessen the likelihood that you will go off your eating plan.

How To Increase Muscle Mass

439197_man_and_muscles_1For many people, losing weight is not a priority. Sure obesity is a major problem in this country, and while we offer many products to assist with fat loss, many of them double as great strength training workouts. So, for the people who may be on the slim side and wanting to bulk up, figuring out how to increase muscle mass is far more important than learning about how to drop unwanted pounds.

 

We are all built slightly differently. And while genetics do play a role in the body that we have, fitness enthusiasts have shown us that you also have a say in that physique. So even if your parents are both string beans and you were called “chicken legs” in school, with some good strength training and the proper muscle building diet, you can put on weight.

 

Just like weight loss, putting on muscle mass comes with a combination of diet and exercise. The difference is that you will be eating more calories as opposed to fewer and loading up on protein and muscle building workouts.

 

Strength training is the obvious factor in learning how to increase muscle mass. Cardio blasts calories so intense cardio routines aren’t really necessary. A healthy heart and lungs is important but when you already have a high metabolism, cardio may work against your muscle building goals. Look into systems that focus on resistance training. P90X and ChaLEAN Extreme are both excellent options.

 

One absolutely crucial thing to remember when trying to bulk up is as your muscles grow, so will your metabolism. So unless you are trying to lose weight you will need to increase your caloric intake.

 

Protein supplements are a great way to boost your calories for the day. Unlike a weight loss plan, though, we want you to drink these extra calories in addition to what you are already eating. Your growing muscles are going to require some high octane fuel and now is no time to skip meals or snacks.

 

When trying to gain mass you want to supply your body with more calories than it burns. The tricky thing is, your new muscles will be burning more and more calories. Eating the right foods and working out will ensure your muscles have fuel and that fuel is building more muscles, not fat.

High Protein Snacks: An Essential Part of a Muscle Building Fitness Plan

j0442443When it comes to nutrition, your snacks are just as important as your meals. Being able to consistently choose healthy foods throughout the day will ensure that you reach your goal much faster than if you relied on your workouts to do it all. High protein snacks like protein shakes and bars are just one aspect of a healthy muscle-building and fat loss program.

 

When you set your sights on a fitness goal, you want to make sure that all of your lifestyle choices point in the same direction. Your workouts are a huge part of achieving the body you want. But, your workouts will only get you so far. Being able to make the right food choices is essential in making the most of those workouts. Not only will high protein snacks help keep your metabolism running high throughout the day, they also help to repair and build muscle tissue.

 

Eating small meals or several snacks throughout the day has been shown to keep the metabolism running at a steady rate. It’s when you starve yourself that the blood sugar sinks and spikes, leading to increased fat storage. A steady stream of fuel, through sources like high quality protein bars, can keep the metabolic fires burning consistently throughout the day.

 

Another benefit of high protein snacks, and why you see bodybuilders taking protein supplements, is their ability to repair and help build muscle tissue. When you workout, your muscles experience tiny tears or trauma. This explains the muscle soreness you feel after a good workout. The repair of these tissues is what leads to muscle growth. Protein is responsible for muscle repair and therefore muscle repair and strength gains.

 

The best high protein snacks are those that contain high quality ingredients at a reasonable price and with great flavor. Egg whites, chicken breasts, and yogurt are awesome choices but check out the P90X protein bars for superior quality protein that is perfect for on-the-go snacking.

Eating Protein vs. Drinking a Protein Shake

1097279_chicken_saladOne of the issues many people have with supplements of any kind are the fact that they are a substitution for actual, nutritious food. Our bodies crave nourishment and proper nourishment at that. They were designed perfectly to process foods, from the chewing to the elimination. Our digestive systems are obviously equipped for food so some wonder why we would substitute liquid or capsule supplements for it. In discussing eating protein vs. drinking a protein shake, looking at the motivation behind supplementation is crucial.

 

Most people who are thinking about using protein supplements are already healthy. They are typically on a fitness program and seeking a way to get high quality protein in a convenient matter. Very seldom, though it does occur, are people under the misconception that supplements can somehow make them healthy.

 

For those people weighing the benefits of eating protein vs. drinking a protein shake, it often boils down to convenience.

 

Plain and simple: when undertaking a muscle building workout plan, protein consumption is often increased to assist the body’s natural muscle building abilities. Protein can help us build muscle by facilitating the repair of tissues broken down in a strenuous workout. In order to further encourage this, you will often see people cutting back on carbs and sugars in exchange for high quality protein.

 

Wanting to boost protein consumption is easy, stomaching it can be difficult. There aren’t many snack options today that combine concentrated protein levels with convenience. Carrying around a chicken breast isn’t really feasible; neither is making an egg white omelet at work. While real food is always a good choice, supplementing with protein shakes and good quality protein bars like the P90X protein bars is an easy move that allows you to boost your protein while moving throughout the day.

 

Are we suggesting you get all of your protein from protein supplements? Never. However, using them as a tool in your nutritional arsenal simply gives you a quick and easy way of boosting protein without growing tired of the old standbys. When considering eating protein vs. drinking a protein shake, go with the food when you can but don’t be afraid to use protein shakes as a good secondary option.

 

If you’re looking for the right kind of protein shakes to add to your plan, take a look at the Vanilla and Chocolate Whey Protein Powders we carry here. These shake mixes taste excellent and deliver 18 grams of protein per serving.

Healthy Food List-Where to get your daily dose of Vitamins, Part 2 of 14

oatmeal in bowl

Vitamin B1: is essential in providing your body with the energy you need through the metabolism of carbohydrates and protein. It is also required for the processing of alcohol.

Energy is something that a lot of us today are lacking. Dragging ourselves out of bed, in to the shower and off to work. And most of us will run to the nearest Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks for our much needed energy boost that completely fizzles out by the early afternoon.

Instead of drinking your short lived energy with all the extra calories and sugar, why not take a more natural route. There are many healthy foods that contain Vitamin B1, giving you the energy you’ll need to get you through the day.

Check out our healthy food list below:
Raw sunflower seeds (1/4 cup, 205 calories)
54 percent daily value
Cooked yellowfin tuna (4 ounces, 157 calories)
38 percent daily value
Cooked black beans (1 cup, 227 calories)
28 percent daily value
Cooked corn (1 cup, 177 calories)
24 percent daily value
Sesame seeds (1/4 cup, 206 calories)
18 percent daily value
Oatmeal (1 cup, 145 calories)
17 percent daily value
Cooked asparagus (1 cup, 43 calories)
14 percent daily value
Brussels sprouts (1 cup, 60 calories)
11 percent daily value
Cooked spinach (1 cup, 41 calories)
11 percent daily value
Pineapple (1 cup, 76 calories)
9 percent daily value

Original Source: Men’s Health

Check out tomorrows Healthy Food List for Vitamin B6

To read part 1 of this series on Vitamin A click here.

High Protein Meal Replacement Shakes and P90X

meal-replacement-shake-i1There’s no doubt that the P90X nutrition guide may have you eating more protein than you are used to. Many people seem to limit their protein in an effort to limit fat, not realizing the extra effort of lean proteins is worth the health benefits. When building muscle, like with P90X, getting plenty of protein is crucial. High protein meal replacement shakes are an excellent way to get that extra protein in.

 

It’s hard to eat healthy all the time. Busy schedules sometimes cause us to take shortcuts and choose less than ideal options. Being sure your home is filled with healthy choices and simple, quick meal solutions is a great way to minimize slip-ups on your diet plan.

 

High protein meal replacement shakes are a great, quick and healthy solution that provides plenty of protein to fuel your strenuous P90X workouts. Whether you choose the Meal Replacement Shakes or the Whey Protein Shakes, both are excellent choices for on the go nutrition.

 

Many people have a hard time with breakfast. This is the perfect opportunity for a high protein meal replacement shake. Think about adding some fruit to make your breakfast shake interesting. Berries and bananas are both popular choices for protein shake additions. It’s an excellent choice that allows you to even take your breakfast on the commute.

 

High protein meal replacement shakes also make a great post workout snack or midday pick-me-up. These meal replacement shakes are low enough in calories that they can be substituted for a snack somewhere in your day.

 

Finding creative ways to get all of your recommended protein doesn’t have to be difficult. High protein meal replacement shakes open up a whole new range of possibilities. Adding fruit to the shake, pairing it with some fresh veggies or simply using it because it’s a simple meal, meal replacement shakes like those offered here are an excellent option to keep in your kitchen.

Great Variations on a Vanilla Whey Protein Shake Recipe

j0402350Helping to build muscles and regulate blood sugars, whey protein shakes are a great way to fuel your fitness plan. P90X Vanilla Whey Protein offers a great balance of high quality proteins to ensure you are giving your body what it needs to stay on track. Day in and day out, however, protein shakes can seem quite repetitive. The key to enjoying your protein is finding variations to your vanilla whey protein shake recipe.

 

If you are content with drinking your protein the same way every day, more power to you. Most of us, however, like a little variety in a vanilla whey protein shake recipe. Changing the additions to your shake can make a huge difference in taste and help ensure you do not get tired of this great tasting protein supplement.

 

Fruit always makes a great addition to a vanilla whey protein shake recipe. Try blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries for great flavor and good quality antioxidants. A banana with a splash of pineapple juice will give your protein a great tropical taste that is especially refreshing on a hot day. Get creative and try new fruits as well. Maybe peaches or fresh pineapple will hit the spot.

 

For those people trying to superload their vanilla whey protein shake recipe with nutrients, a great addition is ground flax seed. This nutty flavored seed is packed with fiber and Omega 3 fatty acids, making it an excellent addition to your diet.

 

Some people struggle to get all of the protein they need in a given day. Adding a little natural peanut butter can be a simple solution and add tons of flavor to your vanilla whey protein shake recipe.

 

Remember, being creative with your supplements doesn’t give you free reign to sabotage your eating. Make sure the things you are adding into your shake line up with the rest of your diet plan.

 

If you are doing the P90X nutrition plan, don’t forget to count all of your fruits and watch portion sizes. A little bit can add a lot of flavor so you don’t need to go overboard and ruin a good thing.

Why Whey Protein Shakes?

whey-protein-van-iIn the world of fitness, protein is promoted everywhere. Protein bars, protein packed diets, and protein shakes are mentioned on websites, advertised in health magazines, promoted in diet books, and talked about at the gym. Protein is a key nutrient in the human diet and one that is important when building muscles. Many protein advocates promote whey protein shakes as an excellent source of protein.

 

Whey protein shakes are made with protein from cow’s milk. Whey is a great source of amino acids which are essential in building muscle as well as keeping other tissues healthy. Also, whey protein, when pure, is low fat with little to no lactose or cholesterol, making it a great source of lean protein.

 

Studies have shown that whey protein contains the perfect balance of amino acids for muscle building. And we all know that more muscle means less fat as your metabolism rises. In order to provide fuel for your larger muscle mass, you begin to burn more calories, raising your metabolism. Whey protein shakes, when taken correctly can help you increase your fat burning potential.

 

Whey protein shakes and protein in general are necessary for the serious weight trainer or fitness buff. When tackling a program like P90X or ChaLEAN Extreme, your muscles will be going through some serious trauma. As a matter of fact, this is exactly what happens during strength training: your efforts produce tiny tears in the muscle (which leads to muscle soreness). Muscle growth occurs as these tears are mended and the muscles are fortified. Whey protein shakes can assist in the muscle-mending and speed recovery time.

 

Whey protein shakes make an excellent snack at any time of day and are particularly good immediately following a workout. Breakfast can be made simple by a whey protein shake with fruit blended in. With the P90X diet plan, your protein intake is quite heavy and the P90X whey protein shakes are a great way to supplement this.

 

Knowing you need protein is good but knowing why you need it and what kinds are best is even better. Get educated about you fitness program and stay informed about your body.