Protein Muscle Building Diet

The use of a high protein diet is popular among weightlifters and professional athletes. The ability to repair muscles after tedious workouts is what makes protein enzymes the key in maximizing workouts and building muscles. Taking in the right kinds of protein and at the right times before and after a workout will help build bigger muscles faster.

The general rule of high-protein diets

High-protein muscle-building diets can help you get phenomenal results in a short time. Since the concept of the low-carbohydrate lifestyle diet, high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets began being used by everyone from overweight dads to world-class athletes. High-protein diets have become an essential part of any serious bodybuilder's regimen. The rule of thumb for high-protein diets is you need to eat roughly 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight. So a 200 pound man needs to eat 200 grams of protein per day in order to maximize muscle building. Some weightlifters go as high as consuming 2 grams of protein per pound of body weight.

High protein foods

Examples of high-protein foods are: chicken breast, lean red meat, lean pork, eggs, fish, milk (skim), turkey breast, cottage cheese (lowest fat available) and protein powders and protein bars. Protein is essential in building muscle as the enzyme repairs the broken down muscle tissue after workouts. Studies have found that no other enzyme can repair muscle the way that protein can, so eating the proper amount of protein before and after a workout is key. Another benefit to living a high-protein diet lifestyle is most high-protein foods consist of very little saturated fats. Saturated fat is the No. 1 enemy to nutritionists and dietitians alike.

When should you take in the protein?

Timing is vital when living this type of lifestyle. The most important time of the day to consume large amounts of protein is the morning. For breakfast, many bodybuilders enjoy large quantities of egg whites, chicken and turkey breasts and protein shakes and bars to take in as much protein as possible. Another vital time to eat protein is about 30 minutes after your workout. You do not need to overdue the protein here, but eating a protein bar or drinking a protein shake is a good idea.

Another benefit

A high-protein diet can help anyone trying to build muscle, but it can also help people who are trying to lose weight. The introduction of the high-protein, low-carb diet by Dr. Robert C. Atkins has become the most popular diet in the United States. It is also considered to be one of the most effective. So whether you are trying to gain a few pounds of muscle or shed a few pounds of fat, high-protein diets are the way to go.