Dietitians commonly suggest that people over 18 consume at least 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. This works out to about 80 grams of protein for a 220-pound person. However, many people who specialize in sports nutrition theorize that athletes need more protein.
Protein does a number of things inside the body, but it can be especially important for athletes. Here are three reasons why protein snacks, such as Jawbox jerky, are imperative to building and repairing muscles.
How Protein Snacks (like Jawbox Jerky) Help Athletes Recover
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It helps repair exercise-induced damage. The first thing protein does for your body is something that we all already know about. When it comes to rebuilding and repairing your muscles after a hard workout, protein is a must. Protein helps repair the damage exercise causes your muscles.
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It promotes training-induced adaptations within muscles. When you work out and tear your muscles, your body adapts to the type of workout you're doing. This is why it can feel like the first time you go to the gym, everything is sore, but after a while, you stop getting sore after every workout. Eating an adequate amount of protein helps your body with this process of adaptation.
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It helps replenish depleted energy. Lastly, studies have shown that athletes who eat protein within two hours after their workout have better energy stores for the next workout than if they only have carbs for their after workout snack.
One of the best things about high protein snacks, such as jerky, is that it is a primary protein that can aid the body in its recovery process. Jawbox Jerky is a perfect way to insert an extra serving of protein in your day. It can fit easily in your gym bag, or you can stash a pack in your car, so you can make sure that your muscles are on the mend and prepare yourself for the workouts to come.