Common Myths About Protein For Bodybuilders
Protein consumption for bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts is important for optimal growth and performance. some of the common myths about protein consumption by bodybuilders and the reason they are untrue.
However, there are some myths associated with the same that you should steer clear of.
Common Myths about Protein 1: Protein Powders are Bad for Your Health
The consumption of protein powders has become increasingly popular among fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders during recent years. Their improper use is what’s harmful for those who consume them.
What you should note is that protein powders are concentrated forms of the nutrient that can help you fulfill nutritional gaps in your diet and avail all the benefits of the nutrient.
Nevertheless, you should be vigilant when choosing a suitable product. There are different variants for each brand as well. Refer to the product label for the nutritional value, list of ingredients and the source of protein to make an informed decision.
Common Myths about Protein 2: Large Amounts of Protein are Important to Build Muscle
The amount of protein you should consume depends on multiple aspects including your body weight, age, gender, level of activity, and fitness goals.
Ideally, the intake of 0.8-1 gram of protein per 450 grams of body weight is recommended. Exceeding this may even result in certain negative effects to your health, involving damage to kidneys in those who suffer from or have any underlying kidney-related disorders.
Common Myths about Protein 3: A Plant-based Diet Cannot Provide You Enough Protein
There is a common misconception that a plant-based diet can never provide you as much protein as one that includes foods from animal sources.
Foods like meats, fish, eggs, and so on from animal sources are high in protein but this does not mean there are no equal alternatives for the same.
For vegan protein, you can rely on foods like legumes, nuts and seeds, vegetables, and whole grains. Moreover, there are multiple brands these days that also offer plant-based protein powders.
Common Myths about Protein 4: Consuming a Protein-rich Diet can Automatically Increase
Muscle Mass
source: Internet
The common word of mouth in the fitness world states that adding protein to your diet can automatically increase your muscle mass. This is of course NOT true.
Increase in muscle mass can be achieved through a number of factors like balanced nutrition, proper resistance training, and adequate amounts of rest and recovery.
Out of these, protein does constitute a balanced diet, acts as one of the building blocks for your muscles, and also aids post workout recovery. But that is not enough as long as you do not combine it with the other listed factors.
Myth 5: You Should Consume Protein Right After Your Workout
Another one of the common myths about protein include that you should consume a protein-rich diet right after working out.
However, for optimal muscle growth, consuming protein right after a workout is not suggested. The timing of protein consumption plays an important role in its effect on your body.
After working out, you should wait for a period of 30 minutes, and then consume a diet rich in not only protein but also healthy carbohydrates that can help with effective recovery.
Myth 6: Protein Cannot Make You Fat
Protein is known for its benefits for weight management and weight loss. Something you should know is that if you do not consume it properly, you will end up gaining weight.
This is because protein is a macronutrient, and all macronutrients are high in calories. Excess consumption of calories, in healthy or unhealthy forms, leads to an increase in weight. Therefore, you should be mindful of the amounts of protein as well as calories you consume.
Myth 7: Drinking Raw Eggs is an Excellent Way to Get More Protein
Many individuals consider the consumption of raw eggs as a shortcut of getting more protein. What you should note here is that consumption of raw eggs can be harmful for your body in multiple ways.
Raw eggs can contain harmful bacteria like salmonella that lead to foodborne illnesses. They can also reduce the rate of biotin absorption, leading to a variety of health issues associated with deficiency of the nutrient.
Rather, you should focus on consumption of cooked eggs in any form to get the benefits of nutrients like choline, vitamin B12, vitamin D, etc.
Conclusion
So these were some of the common myths related to protein consumption for bodybuilders, and how they stand untrue. Use this information while formulating your diet plan, and stay on top of your body’s nutritional requirements.