Most of us know that protein helps build and maintain our muscles. That said it’s not necessary for us to eat huge amounts of it while working out at the Zgym. There’s no need to eat one gram per pound of bodyweight or follow some other kind of ‘swole logic’ alchemy. We are Warriors after all, not bodybuilders or power lifters. For most of us, our goals are to shed unwanted fat and build lean, sexy muscles, not look like The Hulk. Just make sure you’re getting a sufficient amount of protein from unprocessed sources such as meat, fish, poultry, nuts, legumes, etc.

So why exactly is protein so important? Here’s a little breakdown of the effects protein has on our bodies, in particular, after working out and why it’s a daily necessity.

All those squats, pushups and kettlebell swings tax our muscles to exhaustion. That’s a good thing. However, this stress causes micro-tears in our muscle fibers. These tears send a signal to our immune system that help is sorely needed (pun intended).

Enter protein or, more specifically, amino acids. When we eat protein, enzymes in our digestive system break it down into amino acids. Amino acids are our body’s basic building blocks for a variety of things. These amino acids not only repair these tiny tears, they reconnect the muscle tissue so that it’s stronger. Amino acids not only help with repairing and building muscles, they aid our immune system among so many other biological functions.

Here’s the real kicker though: our body can only produce 10 of the 20 essential amino acids necessary for our health and our muscles. Unlike fat and carbs, our bodies do not store extra amino acids when not in use. We must get them from foods. That’s why protein is an essential part of our diet. Without it, our body breaks down existing muscle to get the amino acids necessary for proper bodily function.

What’s your main source of protein? Do you mix it up or use supplements?

Here’s a link to one of my favorite protein supplements I use when I don’t have the luxury of real food or when I want to give my body the protein it needs right after my workout: Vita Whey Protein