Protein - One of the 3 Essential Macronutrients

Protein should consist of about 10 to 35 percent of your diet if you're NOT dieting. 

When we are doing a high protein diet, it should be the main part of your diet.

 AMINO ACIDS

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. They are linked together in complex formations. 

There are 20 different amino acids, 9 of which are considered essential because our bodies cannot produce them naturally, and therefore they must be obtained through the diet. 

Proteins that contain all 20 amino acids are called complete proteins.

 Complete proteins are found in animal products such as meat, eggs and milk.

Proteins crucial role in the body includes building, maintaining and repairing body tissue. It is especially important to physically active individuals whose muscle tissue is constantly in need of repair.

Protein has other roles in the body. All enzymes and hormones, which perform vital functions, are proteins.

In addition, proteins are used to aid in the immune process.

MACRONUTRIENTS - WHY WHAT YOU EAT IS IMPORTANT

Macronutrients are the main components of our diet and our body CAN NOT make them so we need to get them in our diet.

Our bodies require others nutrients as well, such as vitamins and minerals. However, these are needed in much smaller quantities, and thus are referred to as micronutrients. 

The 3 macronutrients of protein, fat, and carbohydrates are needed in the diet as each of these  perform essential roles in the human body..

Of the 3 primary macronutrients – protein, fat, and carbohydrates, only 2 of these are essential to sustaining human life - Protein and Fat

 Carbohydrates are not necessary to sustain life. Carbohydrates do provide glucose and energy that the body uses, but the body can also derive its energy from fats and protein.

Essential Fatty Acids

Not all fats are created equally. While many different types of fat have their benefits, only the essential fatty acids (EFAs) are required. This is because the body cannot synthesize them.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids need to be ingested through your diet, and odds are, the majority of the worlds population get nowhere near the amounts they need to be considered optimal.

Essential Amino Acids

Protein is made up of amino acids – the building blocks of life. They are essential to many of the body’s important functions. One of these functions is to provide energy for the brain. Your body cannot manufacture all the different amino acids, therefore, it needs to obtain its essential amino acids from your diet.
 
In the absence of carbohydrates, the brain needs to find glucose to operate. There’s a reason why people get foggy headed when they haven’t eaten in a while or while they are on a low carb diet. The brain needs glucose to perform its functions. But where does it get glucose if no carbohydrates are ingested? It gets it from protein through a process called gluconeogenesis.

So what happens when you don’t get carbohydrates or protein you ask? The body still needs glucose. Well there is another source of protein the body can use. 

In the absence of carbs and protein, the body turns to itself for fuel. Protein is the most plentiful substance in our bodies. Muscles are made of protein. Organs, skin, eyes and hair – they are all made up of protein. The body starts breaking down these tissues to fuel itself. It slowly eats away until it reaches the point it can no longer sustain itself.

The first step to a healthy diet is to first give your body what it needs to survive.  Essential fatty acids and protein (specifically the essential amino acids) should be staples in your diet if you want to reach your goals.

So eat some healthy meat and grab a handful of nuts. Your body will thank you.