People know that I have spent a considerable amount of time in training and working to get lean for bodybuilding competitions. A big part of that has always been ensuring that I took in adequate amounts of protein to maintain as much lean body mass as possible. So understanding a thing or two about protein, amino acids and the like was important to me.
So many people as the questions like, what do I eat, when should I eat it, how much protein should I eat and countless others. There is so much to learn and honestly over time, it just becomes second nature and instinctive. It’s sometimes tough to answer all these questions especially when people want instant gratification or answers on the spot. Who has time to go into a dissertation on amino acids on the way to dinner and a movie? Not to mention the fact that they really don’t want to hear all of that anyway.
I wish I had this amazing reference, How Much Protein, when I got started with all of my training. I’m a researcher and scientist at heart so I always appreciate seeing scientific data and proof. This book takes the time to call out studies and results. I know I would have referred my friends to this as it could have saved me a whole lot of time and energy.
At first I didn’t expect that this would amount to much of anything new. Admittedly, I was a bit skeptical. Many of the so called myths he was dispelling sort of rang true to me but he and I came from similar backgrounds in all of this. I decided to put aside my skepticism and check it out.
I am glad that I did. There are some true nuggets of information here. My husband and I spend a considerable amount of energy watching and evaluating our protein intake and the information in this book is invaluable.
So what did I find?
The title of the book: How Much Protein
The author is Brad Pilon who is an accomplished researcher and writer with vast experience in nutritionals. Brad has devoted much of his life to understanding how the human body responds to nutrients. He holds a Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Nutraceutical Science. He has spent numerous years working in the food and nutritionals industry.
Brad’s professional and educational background makes the scientist in me very happy! “How Much Protein” is about the amount of dietary protein needed to increase muscle mass. This also applies to those trying to maximize muscle weight and lose body fat.
Brad wrote this book as a resource to dispel so many of the protein myths running rampant in diet, exercise and muscle building circles. This is one of those, “don’t read this if you don’t want to really know the truth” kind of books. You have to read it with an open mind and a thirst for knowledge.
What I will say is that you would be wise to put the information to your own personal test. I know some of those myths ring loud and true to me so you have to keep an open mind but also take things with a grain of salt should you come across something that you believe worked for you personally.
I think he did an excellent job presenting somewhat scientific information in a manner that most can read and understand. It is a fairly quick read but not at all short on information. And, one revelation about strength training totally opened my eyes and made everything click for me.
While I don’t think he unequivocally dispelled all of the myths, he did present an insider’s view and an alternate perspective as promised. If you like to delve more into a bit of research with a little more understanding of the how and why, you will appreciate this book. It’s not too deep but is just enough to satisfy that desire to know more.
All and all, How Much Protein is a useful resource that I am happy to add to my collection. I’ll be trying out some of his recommendations to see how my body responds. I like to work smarter not harder and much of the information in this book will help me to do just that. I recommend you pick up your copy and do the same.