When you hear the word recovery, it’s easy to immediately think about ice baths or physical therapy. But did you know the first step to recovery is as simple as stepping into the kitchen? Here are four fun reasons protein is your best friend when it comes to recovery.

Protein builds muscle

Tired but true, protein builds muscle. Well, sort of. The tears in the muscle tissue from exercise disrupt the muscle cell organelles. This disruption activates satellite cells from outside the muscle fibers, which rush to fix the damage. These cells replicate, mature into grown cells and fuse to your muscle fibers. When you work out, exercise creates muscle tears. This “activates satellite cells from outside the muscle fibers, which rush to the area of damage.” (Livestrong) These satellite cells replicate and fuse to your muscle fibers, effectively making you stronger. 

More bang for your buck

Protein has been found to both boost metabolisms and increase caloric burn. (Healthline) With a boosted metabolism comes more energy and quality sleep. (beebehealthcare) More than that, having a higher metabolism has been linked to helping the body rid itself of toxins, improving blood circulation, elevating mood, and raising natural immunity. (Weightworld) If you’re gonna give it your all in the gym and on the daily, give your body the extra boost with help from some protein.

Happy bones, happy body

More than just a great way to help build muscle, protein has been shown to benefit bone growth and strength. According to Healthline, those “who eat more protein tend to maintain bone mass better as they age and have a much lower risk of osteoporosis and fractures.” Avoidable hospital bills? In this economy? Maybe check out Slate instead and up your protein intake. 

Summer leads to long nights, protein leads to better days

Maybe you had a long night, or a long day that led to a long night. Whichever it was, protein is a great way to recuperate. Long nights and liquid courage both come together to deplete your body of amino acids. The fat or oily food you’re craving is best substituted with protein, or better yet, the amino acids that helps detoxify your liver and, in turn, assists your recovery. (Body and Soul)  

So how do you get your protein?

Per the USDA, the recommended daily intake of protein “at the 2,000-calorie level is 5½ ounce equivalents of protein foods per day.” This is roughly equivalent to 156 grams of protein, or 7.8 cans of Slate Chocolate Milk. Now, while we’re not saying to drink eight cans of Slate (though we’re also not not saying that) those four fun reasons surely help show how you can benefit from the 20 grams of protein Slate provides. 

Cheers,

The Slate Milk Squad  

Written by Cassandra Catesson