By Ruth E. Heidrich, Ph. D.
Veg athletes need more protein! Or do they?
One of the most frequent questions I get from athletes is how to get more protein. In their minds they are thinking that if they stuff more protein into their mouths, that it magically goes to their muscles and they will automatically get stronger. Body builders, especially, want to see hypertrophy of their muscles (without all the work). This question is especially prevalent with vegetarian or vegan athletes because they think that without meat, egg whites, or skim milk in some form, they are at risk of having a protein deficiency.
Our bodies are built for economy. They will get rid of anything they don't need. If you don't need bulging biceps (or if you already have them and are not currently using them), the body will not let that muscle get a "free ride." The most vivid example is seen when you put an arm or a leg in a cast. In this case the body doesn't (and can't) use the associated muscles. When you take the cast off six weeks later, you will be struck with what you see. The arm or leg appears to have withered away.
OUR BODIES ARE PRETTY SMART!
Now, is this permanent? No! To rebuild those muscles, all you have to do is start using them and the body responds by putting on additional muscle ONLY to the extent that it needs. So, for every day usage, a normal-size muscle is attained. With heavy, extreme usage, a bulging muscle is the result.
SO, WHERE DO I GET MY PROTEIN?
