What is protein?

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What’s all this fuss about protein?

Here at Lacka Foods we love protein! In fact, we eat, drink and sleep protein. We are obsessed with protein….ok, ok you get the message, we like protein!

But why do we worship this ingredient so much? Well, let us explain just some of the benefits that protein has to offer without too much confusing science!

What is protein?

Proteins are big molecules consisting of amino acids which are also known as the ‘building blocks’ of the body. What this means is that proteins are essential in the building and maintenance of the body’s muscles, skin, hair, bones and many other important parts.

It is estimated that after water has been removed, protein accounts for 75% of your body weight, incredible right?!

Why do I need protein?

If your body was a football team, protein would be one of your star players, if not THE star player. If you leave protein out of your starting line-up, you’re not going to be as strong as you could and should be!

Proteins play a role in almost all biological processes. 5 of the most important functions of proteins include:

  • They help build and strengthen the body.
  • Help strengthen your immune system, helping you fight off sickness.
  • Contribute to the production of hormones which are important to the coordination of bodily activities.
  • Help support the contraction of your muscles – essential to all movement.
  • Proteins help transport things like oxygen around the body – that’s pretty important!

How do I ensure I get enough protein?

So it’s pretty obvious now that protein is very important, wouldn’t you agree? So what are the best ways of getting the protein you need?

It’s important to make sure that all meals contain a protein source and that protein source can come in a variety of forms depending on your preferences. Traditionally, meats and fish such as chicken, steak and tuna are well known for having high amounts of protein along with eggs and other dairy products such as milk, cheese and Greek yoghurt. You can also find many beans, nuts, nut butters and legumes also contain high levels of protein so you have a lot of choice when it comes to protein rich foods and drinks.

Our drinks are also a delicious and convenient way of ensuring you are hitting your protein targets for the day so grab a UFIT from your local convenience store or from Tesco and throw one in your bag every day so you’re covered!

How do I ensure my kids are getting enough protein?

Protein is not just for grown-ups and people who spend half their lives in the gym. Protein is for EVERYONE! One thing that we are conscious of here at Lacka Foods and a big initiative for us is ensuring kids are getting the nutrition they need to learn, grow and thrive in the early years.

Our kids are faced with a world of unhealthy choices which do not offer any real nutritional benefits every day of their lives. We are all about balance and there is a place for treats but what we are passionate about is offering parents easy and delicious nutritional options that can be enjoyed at any time of the day with no fuss.

Our Be Fast drinks can help ensure that your little ones and teens are getting the best start to the day by offering the perfect balance of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fibre along with high levels of calcium to strengthen young bones and muscles in no time and with no hassle.

Our UFIT drinks are not just for grown-ups and offer a great multi-serving option for kids lunch boxes and on family days when you’re out an about.

So we’re here for you and your protein needs. We will continue to develop products that can help change the way we live and the way that we think about our nutrition, we’re making healthy easy.

Women, protein and common misconceptions!

As more women move away from traditional faddy diets to more sustainable and healthy options, there still seems to be some popular misconceptions about protein and the effects it may have on your body. Let’s explore these popular myths with the help of our good friend the Protein Chef who is a woman and obviously a big fan of protein!

So, Protein Chef. What are the most common myths you have come across in your experience of discussing the benefits of protein with women who are perhaps new to its benefits?

Many women believe that they don’t need additional protein in their diets because it will bulk them up like some sort of super hero! Whilst you may see the big guys who spend most of their time in the gym sipping on their post workout protein shake, it could also benefit you! How? Well protein is essential for everyone and is used by your body to do many important jobs including helping strengthen your hair, nails, skin and muscles. Protein keeps you feeling strong throughout the day and can help keep you fuller for longer so is a great option at breakfast, lunch, dinner and in between meals.
Just because you don’t like to lift weights it doesn’t mean you don’t need protein. If you are active in anyway be that running, fitness classes or even taking the dog for long walk then your muscles will be torn and damaged. Protein helps them repair and rebuild, giving you the energy and the strength to conquer the whole day, no matter how demanding it may be.
Whilst being in a calorie deficit is important for weight loss, protein can be a very useful tool! How? Well protein helps to keep you feeling fuller for longer, keeping those inevitable hung pangs at bay for a little longer. This means that you are less likely to reach for your 11am packet of crisps or your 4pm tea and biscuits! Protein also helps the body build a more toned look and the more muscle you have compared to fat, the higher your resting metabolic rate will be which means a better internal environment for burning calories! How fantastic!
Now let’s get this straight, protein is protein. Protein doesn’t care if you are male or female, protein does not discriminate! A gram of protein contains 4 calories, this is the same as a gram of carbohydrate where as a gram of fat contains 9 calories. These rules apply to everyone regardless of your gender, height, weight or what your hair colour is.
Animal proteins are great sources of protein and have what is known as a complete amino acid profile. Many plant proteins don’t have a complete amino acid profile but there are other non-meat foods that can offer this. Foods such as eggs, Geek yoghurt, cottage cheese and milk are fantastic and healthy high protein options or better still high protein milkshakes like the UFIT range which are further enhanced with vitamins, minerals and fibre.

Are you convinced yet? The benefits of consuming regular protein cannot be underestimated. Make sure you are consuming protein at each meal or snack and for some healthy protein packed recipes visit my website at proteinchef.co.uk.