How amino acids and EAAs help you build a stronger, leaner, healthier body.
Think of your muscles as a house made of bricks.
Those bricks are amino acids — the building blocks of proteins.
In fact, most structures in your body are made up of proteins. You’re mostly just a big bag of protein and water, with a few lipids (fats) and minerals in the mix.
So protein is pretty important.
When you started eating more lean protein, you might have noticed some changes. For one thing, you were probably more satisfied with your meals.
But you may have observed other changes. Perhaps your hair has been growing better, or your fingernails breaking less. Perhaps you don’t get sick as often. Maybe your moods are better.
Most importantly for right now, protein helps muscles recover, because protein (in the form of amino acids) provides the bricks to build muscle.
Protein: The revolving door
Proteins in our bodies are constantly being broken down and rebuilt (aka protein synthesis). This cycle is known as protein turnover. You’re literally a different person than you were 5 years ago!
If we get enough protein, then things are good.
If we don’t replace key amino acids (i.e. the “bricks”), then our bodies can’t rebuild. Our recovery suffers.
Replacing essential building blocks
There are several amino acids that we must get from food. These are known as essential amino acids.
If you’re eating various types of lean protein sources, you’ll get all the essential amino acids you need. And if you’re a Level 1, stop there.
If you’re a Level 2, and you want a little extra something to help boost recovery, you can consider an essential amino acid (EAA) supplement during your workouts. (But remember, supplements are supplemental, not a substitute.)
Amino acids: Powerful recovery tools
Eating protein regularly (and, if applicable, choosing to supplement with EAAs around our workout times) doesn’t just keep you feeling full longer.
It also means those amino acids are floating around, ready to go to work to replenish your muscles, when you need them.
This helps recovery. You get stronger and fitter. Your muscles rebuild.
And you live to fight another day.
Today, make sure you’re getting your lean protein at every meal.
Your post-workout meal needn’t be an all-you-can-eat meat buffet. Just get some protein in there, regularly, especially around your workouts.
Your amazing and clever body will do the rest.
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