09/01/2022
Not all protein sources are created equal. Inadequate daily protein intake can make or break your health and/or fitness goals.
Here are a few details on aspects of a quality protein:
1. Bioavailability. You are what you eat AND ABSORB. The more bioavailable a certain food is, the more nutrients your body will be able to absorb from it.
2. Contains All Essential Amino Acids. There are 9 âessentialâ amino acids that MUST be consumed through food. Higher quality proteins contain all 9. Getting enough leucine in particular is critical to trigger protein synthesis. Individuals can combine foods with different amino acid profiles in order to get all 9 EAAs, BUT it can be a hassle and many incomplete proteins are also less bioavailable.
3. Preferably a Whole Food Source. As a general rule of thumb, most whole food protein sources will be MUCH more satiating, in addition to being much more MICRONUTRIENT DENSE compared to processed food, thus decreasing risk for nutrient deficiencies and handling hunger/cravings.
Protein sources that fit in every one of these categories: Beef, Salmon, Chicken, Turkey, Eggs, Pork, Greek Yogurt, Cottage Cheese.
Let me know if you have any questions! Some other great resources especially when it comes to the topic of protein are and