Proteins, Carbs and Fat: The Next Evolution (Part III)

I’d like to now discuss protein intake as it relates to fat loss, muscle growth and athletic performance.

Metabolic Type will dictate the quality and quantity that is needed to accomplish all of the above. Your training volume and frequency is a distant second behind your genetic based protein requirements.

Protein intake is vital for anyone looking to make quick, dramatic and permanent changes to their body. Every tissue in the body is protein-based and the body is quite sensitive to deficiencies. The function of Metabolic Enzymes, Digestive Enzymes, Hormones and Neurotransmitter (brain juice) are all dependent on adequate protein intake. Some common signs of protein deficiencies are;

chronic migraine headaches
thin hair
soft nails
flabby muscles despite doing large amounts of exercise.
chronic sweet cravings

Now the type of protein is just as important as quantity.

Certain metabolic types respond best to low fat proteins like white meat chicken, white fish and egg whites while others do better with the heavier, high purine and fat based protein like beef, lamb and salmon. Your metabolic type will determine which is better.

So how do you know if you are on target with your quality and quantity of protein?

Here are 3 things that you want to pay attention to after each meal;

1. How soon do you become hungry after the meal? (If your meal does not sustain you for at least 3 hours, you may want to look at your ratio of protein to carbs as well as your protein quality)
2. Cravings after the meal (are you craving sweets?) if so the same rule applies as #1
3. Increased energy level and mood: any good meal will be uplifting to your energy levels both physically and mentally.

To summarize:
What will determine your protein needs heavily based on your genetics.
Are you an Eskimo or an Indian? One needs heavy protein and the other light protein.