Protein

Protein.  It's a buzz word.  Is it really that important?  As a female, should I really have a high protein intake?  Will it make me gain weight?  There are so many uncertainties surrounding the consumption of protein, it's extremely important to be educated as you embark on a weight loss program or a muscle building regiment.

In the past, it's been recommended that women consume .36 g of protein per pound of body weight, however, a new study in the Journal of Nutrition theorizes that this is a gross inaccuracy.

Women need protein just as much as men do.  We should be consuming 1g of protein per pound of body weight per day in order to build and maintain muscle, as well as lose or maintain weight.   It's recommended that we have 5-6 servings of protein per day in 20g-30g increments in order to  absorb it properly into the body and get the most effective use out of it.

Will it make you gain weight?  As with any food, eaten in excess or out of the recommended portion size, yes.  Protein alone will not make you gain weight quickly, just be sure your portions are accurate and you're expelling more calories in the gym than you're taking into your body on a regular basis.

What are some good, viable sources of protein? Beans, fish (cod, tilapia, tuna), lean poultry, cottage cheese, almond/peanut butter, eggs, and protein shakes. 

To read the full article, check out cutandjacked.com