The Power of Protein: Understanding Protein

Protein is the basic material of all living things. Our bodies are made up of 25% protein. Protein itself is made up of small building blocks called amino acids. There are nine essential amino acids, needed by the body for optimum function, and several non-essential but beneficial amino acids.

Recommendation for protein intake are often based on animal food sources such as meat, eggs and milk. However, a high consumption of animal protein often equals a high consumption of fat.

Soy, on the other hand, is the highest quality plant protein available. Soybeans are the only vegetable cource that contain complete protein. This means that soybeans provide all nine essential amino acids. And the quality is equal to that of milk, meat and egg protein, but with no extra fat. Soy protein is long-acting and slowly metabolised.

Whey protein provides amino acids and mixes well with milk to create smooth, creamy shakes. Whey protein is fast acting and quickly metabolised.

Why do we need protein?
We need protein to stay strong and healthy. If we don’t eat protein our bodies will steal it from our muscles and organs. In fact, protein is essential for the development of our muscles, which lead to an increase in the burning of calories. Our muscles could be described as “fat furnaces” as they keep our metabolism running high.

The Carbohydrate Confusion
Traditionally, we were taught that carbohydrates should provide our body with its primary supply of energy. However, many people have confused fast-releasing carbohydrates (pasta, cakes) and slow releasing carbohydrates (whole grains, vegetables), eating too many of the former – the tempting, convenient, tasty variety! Most of us lead sedentary lives, so any excess energy (from carbohydrate-rich food) is stored as body fat.

Today’s over-consumption of fast-releasing carbohydrates on a daily basis is creating a global population of “overweight” carbohydrate-eaters!

Our bodies need a balanced diet for optimum health. The right daily intake of protein, carbohydrates and fats are determining factors when we try to achieve optimum health and weight.

It makes sense then to reduce your carbohydrate intake, choose “good “unsaturated” fats that provide research-proven health benefits, ensure you eat plenty of fresh wholefoods such as fruit and vegetables, and increae your protein intake in line with your body’s needs. Remember to use lean protein that does not contain significant levels of fat.

Protein helps to satisfy!
When you eat a balanced diet with the right balance of protein, fats and carbohydrates for your body, your appetite is also satisfied, reducing the desire to snack!

See how well this method works for you if you are trying to lose weight while battling hunger-pangs between meals:

1. Optimise you protein and nutritional intake with Formula 1 and lose weight!
2. Choose slow-releasing carbohydrates foods (whole grains)
3. Increase you intake of “live” foods (fresh fruit and vegetables)
4. Eat regular meals spaced throughout the day
5. Identify your body’s protein needs and consume the amount you need!

How much protein do you need?
On average:
• Women need 100g protein per day
• Men need 150g protein per day

Soy! All the goodness of high quality protein, with minimal fat!
Soy protein is one of the highest quality plant proteins available. It is an excellent source of amino acids, in addition to containing antioxidants.

Herbalife’s Personalised Protein Powder or Formula 3 helps you to match your ideal personal protein intake in line with your body’s needs. Its neutral flavour means you can add it to your Formula 1 nutritional meal replacement shake!

Personalised Protein Powder supplies a special blend of whey and soy proteins, and allows you to customise your diet with the right amount of protein, and minimal additional calories. Each 6g serving contains 5g of protein.

How do I include protein in my diet?
If your target protein intake is 100g per day, here is an example of how you can consume 100g every day:

Breakfast: Any flavour Formula 1 Nutritional Meal Replacement Shake with2 scoops of Formula 3 (Personalised Protein Powder (29g)
Lunch: Any flavour Formula 1 Nutritional Meal Replacement Shake with2 scoops of Formula 3 (Personalised Protein Powder (29g)
Snack: Herbalife’s chocolate covered Protein Bar (12g)
Dinner: Balanced Meal with lean chicken, wholegrain rice, vegetables and salad (30g)

Total protein: 100g

If one needs over 100g of protein per day, you can have additional 1-2 protein snacks: choose from our Protein Bars of Soy Beans (12g of protein per serving) and you can also add an extra spoon of protein powder to your shake or meal.

Formula 1 Nutritional Meal Replacement Shakes are loaded with heart-healthy protein. They include essential vitamins and minerals to provide all the nutrition of a meal with a minimum of calories.