Why do I need to take a protein supplement?

If you're on a low fat diet, chances are you're not getting enough protein. This defeats the purpose of eating low fat, as increasing your protein is integral and far more effective over the long run for weight management than lowering your dietary fat. Meat, eggs and dairy are examples of protein co-existing with fat, however these foods are often minimised in women's diets. Many meats in particular can also be time-consuming to prepare, while protein powders offer a convenient, not to mention more economical, alternative.

 

I prefer to think of protein as a food, not a supplement. Protein is truly a food for life. Each cell in your body is comprised of protein and each day millions of cells die and are replaced with new ones. But to replace the new cells your body needs the correct nutrient, protein. If your protein consumption is poor your cells scavenge protein from elsewhere: muscles, skin, hair and nails. In effect your body starts to eat itself. Sounds horrific doesn't it?

 

So a diet rich in protein feeds the cells and stops the cannibalism, at the same time improving the quality of your hair, skin and nails by supplying them the protein they need. This is why I tend to refer to protein as the cosmetic you keep in the kitchen. The best quality proteins for supplementation are Whey Protein Concentrate and Solae™ Soy Protein. Both are available in Life Protein Shake and other Aussie Bodies powders. One serve daily delivers 30% of your RDI (recommended daily intake) of iron and 65% RDI of calcium.