Proteins are the bricks and mortar of the temple that is your body. Not only do they build and repair muscle, they are also key contributors to enzymes and antibodies that help keep you healthy. There is no doubt that getting protein into your body is very important. However, if you’re consuming your protein in one of these 5 ways, you’re doing your body far more harm than you might think.

Eating Proteins Without Carbs

It’s true, eating right is just as (if not more) important than exercise.  When we workout our muscles are placed under a lot of strain. This strain and tension breaks our muscles down, so that they can be rebuilt stronger than ever. This process can be compared to a home renovation. Basically, you knock down a wall, so you can build a new room.

So now we know, working out is that sledge hammer that breaks down your muscles, and protein is the building material that repairs damaged tissues to make it stronger and leaner. However, just like a new kitchen sink, protein can’t just appear in the space that it is needed in.

That’s where carbohydrates come in. Similar to a truck; carbohydrates transport protein to tissues and cells that need them the most. Eating the right amount of carbs helps your body recover after a workout, and provides your body with the energy you will need for the day.

Raw milk with about ½ a teaspoon of honey is the ideal blend of carbs and protein, which is about three times more carbohydrates than protein in a meal. It also makes a delicious postwork out snack.

Eating The Majority Of Your Protein In One Meal.

For many of us getting a balanced breakfast can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you are anticipating a busy day.  It can be tempting to give in to the convenience of on the go (high in carbohydrates) foods, but, by taking a few extra minutes to prepare a breakfasted including 20-30 grams of protein, you can give your body all the energy it will need for the day.

Protein plays two significant roles in your nutrition: first, it fills you up. Protein helps your body feel more satisfied and full through the day. Secondly, Protein Helps to keep your blood sugar stable throughout the day. This means that protein helps you stay awake throughout a busy day. Protein helps boosts your energy and prevent the terrifying Monday morning meeting lethargy.

As aforementioned the perfect amount of protein you should aim to eat in every meal is about 20-30 grams.

Trying To Make Incomplete Protein Into A Complete Protein.

If you’re mixing and matching complementary ‘incomplete proteins’, in order to create a ‘complete protein’ meal, you might have wasted your time. Although your dedication to finding and combining incomplete proteins, found in vegetables, is admirable; it has been unnecessary.

While it is true that plant proteins usually lack one or more of the 9 essential amino acids that help make a complete protein, if you are eating a variety of plant-based foods while meeting your daily caloric intake you will consume an array of amino acids and proteins that will meet your complete protein objective.

Getting All Your Protein From The Same Food.

Eating is not rocket science, but it is a science.  When you consume proteins; if you are getting them all from the same source, you run the risk of missing out on essential amino acids.  By eating a variety of proteins you expose your body to all essential amino acids and maximize their effects.

Eating a variety of proteins also means you are able to consume a variety of vitamins, minerals, fats, and carbohydrates that come with that protein. Eating a wide array of protein will optimize your health, and help improve weight loss.

Relying On Protein Shakes And Bars.

By far the worst mistake you could possibly make when it comes to protein is relying on shakes, bars or other supplements to meet all of your nutritional needs. Yes, they are delicious and convenient. However, you have to ask yourself: are a few extra minutes of time really worth my overall health.  

The answer is a resounding “No!” Although these supplements can be effective when used properly, if they are relied on as a complete source of any part of your nutrition the results can be less than desirable. Not only are many of these products full of sugar they are also full of chemicals that most of us can barely pronounce let alone understand.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a bodybuilder, athlete, or regular person. The fact remains the same. Proteins are the building blocks of life. To make sure your life is built up in the best possible way, make sure to avoid these 5 common protein mistakes.

Source: http://lifespa.com/protein-deficiency-the-hidden-signs/.