protien - Diet & Nutrition Message Board

littlebit · 07-17-2001, 05:23 AM

i do a lot of cardio (biking and power walking). is a diet high in protien better for me if i want a lean muscle look. i don't want to just look skinny ( i've looked like that my whole life) i want to look toned.

paper clip · 07-17-2001, 10:43 AM

Personally, I don't believe you necessarily have to go high protein, however you might think about drinking a protein shake or a meal replacement shake 20-30 mins after your workouts. This way, you're feeding your muscles at the time when they need it most. Of course, within 1 hour of a workout you need to eat a meal containing good protein as well, since no protein shake can provide what real food can. Other than that, if you're wanting to increase muscle tone, as long as you are working out, eating sufficient calories and drinking plenty of water you should be fine.

Starbuck · 07-30-2001, 11:19 AM

If you're doing lots of cardio, and you want a nice lean look. Start lifting weights as well. Also, it would be helpful if you consumed your bodyweight in grams of protein EVERY DAY.

Pretty simple math.

aml · 07-30-2001, 12:01 PM

If you want a "lean muscle look" then you have to add strength/weight training. Sure, protein matters... but you cannot achieve this sort of look without working with weights.

Andrew

arkie6 · 07-30-2001, 01:30 PM

Protein is important if you want to build or maintain muscle mass. Maintenance level is about 0.7-0.9 grams of protein per pound of lean body mass (LBM). Your LBM is your weight in pounds minus the fat, so if you weigh 150 pounds and have 20% bodyfat, then your LBM is 120 pounds (150 x .8). To build muscle you need on the order of 0.9-1.2 grams of protein per pound of LBM plus resistance type exercises.

Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy are your best sources of complete protein (they contain all of the necessary amino acids in the proper ratios). Plus they contain fat that is necessary for proper digestion of the protein. It is ok to supplement with whey protein shakes (stay away from that soy) occasionally, but the majority of your protein should be coming from animal products. One ounce of meat contains about 7 grams of protein and one large egg contains about 6 grams of protein.

Alan