Nutrition tips of the week-Protein

Boost your metabolism

When breaking down protein, the body uses more energy than it does when breaking down carbohydrates and fats.

If you eat a meal consisting of pure protein up to 25% of the calories will be burned through digestion and absorption.

Many people have diets that are high in carbohydrates, so increasing the amount of protein you consume and reducing the amount of carbohydrates is a good way to boost your metabolism. However you do need to ensure that you do not eat too much protein.

Whilst extra protein can be beneficial, eating too much will place stress on a number of your vital organs, including the kidneys.

You should also not cut down on complex carbohydrates or fats too drastically, as you will be cutting out a number of essential vitamins, minerals and fatty acids which can lead to health problems. Vitamin deficiencies can also stop the body burning as many calories as it stops the body performing essential functions.

Emma Driskell-Fitness professional at Bexley.

Are you looking to gain?

In order to build muscle, you need complete proteins; these are found in eggs, meat, fish, cheese, milk and most other animal products (there are exceptions e.g. soy beans, quinoa). Eat within 20 mins of training and if you are taking a protein supplement, drink it with water instead of milk as soon as you finish in the gym (milk slows the digestion speed of the protein to the muscle). Ensure you are eating enough. Did you know that most Body Builders eat between 5 – 8 balanced meals a day?

Amy Casey-Fitness professional at Sittingbourne.