Should you take protein on rest days?

Exercise and muscle building have become an intricate part of numerous people’s life. Getting fueled up with a robust routine and healthy diet is one of the most significant parts of life. But what about the dietary intake? In addition to working out to the fullest, one needs to look after the diet as well. And protein is one of the most significant dietary supplements needed in such times. Although, the question to take protein on rest days remains under debate. The underlying guide discusses all the essential aspects that help understand the need for protein on rest days and help you decide whether it’s essential or not!

What are Rest Days?

Rest days or off days are the days when you don’t go through a robust exercise routine instead allow your body to rest and overcome the muscle wear and tear caused due to the heavy workout. Most of the people with a strict workout routine take protein shakes or other protein supplements post workout. It helps them recover the lost energy stay healthy even after heavy sweating. After the workout routine you need to allow your body to overcome the loss and help the body adapt to the changes.

Why are rest days essential?

Rest days hold the same importance as that exercising days. It’s often seen that a successful fitness regime is incomplete without rest days. Taking breaks in between exercising intervals allows your body to recover faster and thus is a critical part of progress. Also, skipping rest days can lead to overtraining and won’t prove good. The underlying pointers further state the importance of rest days and their relative benefits.

• Allows recovery

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A rest day, as it is believed, is not about being lazy. Instead, it’s during this time that the effect of exercising takes place. Exercise creates muscle wear and tear and can show it in different forms ranging from swelling to muscle soreness. Rest days allow the repair of these muscles and tissues and allow the needed muscle growth and strength. During this time protein intake can speed up the recovery and help the body replenish the energy sources and use them in the next workout session.

• Prevent muscle fatigue

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Exercise can cause muscular fatigue. Exercise can deplete the glycogen levels in your muscles and need to restore. If these glycogen levels aren’t restored it can result in muscle fatigue and soreness. By getting adequate rest and a sufficient amount of protein helps you prevent muscle fatigue by refilling your glycogen levels.

• Prevent injuries

Regular rest helps stay safe during the exercise. Overworkout can make your body tired and weak and increases the chances of fallout or drop the weight. It can result in injuries which can take months to heal. Overtraining increases the stress on your muscles and increases the risk of injuries. Rest days can prevent such accidents.

• Better Performance

Rest allows your body to restore the lost energy and helps you stay motivated during the regime. It helps improve your performance and adds more benefits to your exercising routine. If you wish to push your performance to a higher level, continue with your daily protein intake it will give you strength to overcome the loss without adding more pounds to your physique.

• Better Sleep

Regular exercise can improve your sleep cycle but taking rest is also important. Physical activities can produce energy-boosting hormones. Although, continuous exercise can overproduce these hormones and can worsen your fatigue and exhaustion. Rest days can help in regulating these hormones and help you attain better and sound sleep.

Why dietary protein intake plays a key role in muscle growth?

Proteins are the combinations of branched-chain amino acids that have a significant role in our bodies. These branded amino acids are essential and must be included in our diet. Alterations Protein intake according to your body needs can do wonders for your physique. The underlying bullets can help you understand the need for proteins for muscles better.

• Curtail appetite

If you are working out daily and wish to reduce some pounds then protein intake is essential for you. Protein helps reduce the appetite and hunger and helps you stay full and energetic for a longer time. It helps reduce the hunger hormone ghrelin and can reduce the calorific content of the body.

• Increase mass and strength

An adequate amount of protein is the key to muscle growth and muscle mass. If you are physically active and looking for a way to increase muscle mass then you must take enough protein to help muscles build stronger. High protein intake can prevent muscle loss during the weight loss regime.

• Better metabolism and fat burning

Eating triggers the metabolism and this process is called the thermic effect of food. The thermic effect of each food is different. And among all the dietary foods, protein has the thermic effect 20-30% greater than fats and carbs. It can help improve metabolism and is also found to trigger the fat-burning process. High metabolism can help burn more fats and helps you stay in shape.

• Regulate blood pressure

High blood pressure has a lot of nasty effects on your health. All chronic diseases like heart attack, stroke, and kidney diseases are caused due to high blood pressure. Dietary protein intake can help lower blood pressure levels and regulate them. Studies have shown that protein reduces the level of bad cholesterol and thus supports a healthy life.

Besides, daily dietary protein intake can help in body repair during the rest days and also helps you stay fit as you age. Dietary protein must be included in adequate amounts to your diet to prevent the post-workout effects and lead you towards a better lifestyle.

Many people have a misconception that protein intake is all about protein shakes. Although, it’s not so! One can improve their diet and incorporate lentils and pulses to add more protein to their diet. The body needs 1-2 grams of protein daily per kilogram of a person's weight. Including rich sources of proteins like eggs, curd, milk, and vegetables can be a great substitute for protein shakes.

To sum up, it can be stated that the incorporation of protein into your daily diet is essential irrespective of your workouts or rest days. Protein intake can help you strengthen your body and lead a better lifestyle. Besides, you don’t need to rely on protein shakes for this. You can change your diet plan and bring in better results.