Tag: hunger

nutrition, weight loss

Surf the wave

When it comes to dieting reducing your calories through reducing portion sizes, or omitting a snack or meal (to create an energy deficit; the only way fat loss will occur!) is an easy way to achieve this.

Yet there will be something to consider during your dieting periods. Hunger!
Along with emotional eating and boredom, hunger is another test you will encounter on your health drive.

Not only is it one of the most powerful diet disruptors but it is also the most misunderstood.

The concept of stress eating and boredom eating are very straight forward. Stress levels are high, we eat something (usually fun food) and it temporarily makes us feel better. And boredom eating fills a void / gives us something to do during periods of downtime. Simple.

But hunger is a different animal. Our body brings about feelings of hunger (due to elevated levels of a hormone Ghrelin).

The common misconception is that as we go longer and longer without food our hunger levels increase.

So it makes sense to ‘flatten the curve’ by eating something. The hunger sensation is notable so we look to remedy this by eating something asap. This urgency sees us bypass mindfulness over what we choose to supress this pang! Making it hard to keep to our targets for our diet.

But, what actually happens (and this is prudent to recall during periods of hunger) is that our hunger levels come in waves.

You have condition these waves to peak and trough with your eating habits overs time. So you will feel hungry at the time you usually have a meal/snack.

So if you are cutting out a meal or snack to reduce your calories. Know that during the time where you would have had this meal/snack you will feel hungry. This is the peak/crest of the wave.

It’s your job to ride the wave, embrace the sensation, accept it and surf the hunger wave. The wave will die down/pass.

Dieting is much like surfing, you have to appreciate the waves if you want to be good at it.

If you would like to know how to reduce the intensity of these hunger wave check out my blog. How optimising ‘protein density’ can help you maintain muscle and stay full whilst dieting.

weight loss

Make it mean something!

I find myself at the tail end of this year’s weight loss challenge. And within touching distance of a milestone. That being 100kg lost in total over several years of self-experimentation.

Now I can say with hand on heart this year has been the hardest. Even harder than the first year (7 years ago) where I hadn’t dieted before. And I know the reason why. 

It’s because my goal this year was weight loss. The goal, although a milestone, is a weight loss one. Which has rendered it pretty meaningless. This cements my standpoint that a weight loss goal is redundant.


This year I have persevered through gritted teeth. And the method I use (the reveal a body blueprint) has made it as simple as possible.


But it pales in comparison to using the method plus an emotive goal, like in previous years. I’d never struggled then because they have been motivated by the carrot dangling at the end. 

Carrots like feeling confident on stage, in front of hundreds of people for a bodybuilding competition. Feeling great stood next to my wife for our wedding pictures. Or feeling confident in my swim shorts in the pool with my kids on holiday.

These feeling-based, emotive goals have made the process far easier. Attaching the outcome to a feeling rather than a meaningless number.


So if you are looking to transform your body focus on the reason behind the transformation. Find that emotive reason that has given you a reason to want to change your physique. Have a carrot that means something to you and attach the outcome to that.

Uncategorized

How much protein do I need?

Ever thought to yourself ‘how much protein do I need?

And the answer is…

…it depends

Let’s go through it. The first thing we need to find out is how much lean mass we have; muscle, ligaments, organs, bones, etc. We need only take into account lean mass as these are the structures that need protein, body fat does not.

How do you work out how much lean mass you have? First, you would need to know your body fat percentage. There are a few ways to find this out. One option is skinfold testing, for which, you would need a qualified professional.

Then there is bioelectrical impedance. Machines that passes a small amount of electrical current through your body,

The latter is the least accurate.

From one of these, you will derive your body fat percentage. Again one will be more accurate than the other but it’s a good starting point.

Knowing your body fat percentage we move onto the next part of the puzzle. Subtract your body fat percentage from 100 to get your lean mass percentage.

Here is an example:

100 – 25 percent body fat = 75 percent lean mass.

Divide your lean mass percent by 100 to calculate the decimal for your lean mass percent. Here is an example: 100 / 75 – .75

Multiply your lean mass decimal by your total body weight to calculate your lean mass weight. If you weigh 175 lbs, multiply 175 by .75 for 131.25 lbs. of lean mass.

And there you have your lean mass.

So how much protein do you need for that lean mass? Before we answer that we must ask ourselves what is the goal?!

Are you focusing on fat loss or building muscle and size? I ask because we need different protein amounts in each phase.

Here is where most people get it wrong; when in a fat loss phase you actually need more protein per lb/kg of lean mass! And when in a building size/muscle phase, less.

The reason being as you get leaner and leaner during fat loss muscle breakdown is an issue. So we want to guard against it! More protein will help not only keep and repair muscle but aid hunger reduction. A bonus when dieting for weight loss.

When we are building size and in a calorie surplus there will be more insulin in our system. Which is the anti-muscle breakdown hormone. And we get to have more calories coming from carbs and fats. Which are our energy macronutrients!

This is good because we are more fuelled for our workouts and are in a position to achieve more weight lifted. [More weight/volume equates to getting stronger and ergo more muscle].

In a fat loss phase, you are looking for around 2.5g of protein per kg of lean mass.

In a weight gain phase, you are looking for 1.6g of protein per kg of lean body mass.

Then to optimize muscle growth, you would want to split this total protein intake over the day. 4 equal servings being optimal 3/5 absolutely fine.

Uncategorized

How optimising ‘protein density’ can help you maintain muscle and stay full when dieting

The maths bit:
Let’s use an example of a 180cm tall, 30-year-old guy with a sedentary job weighing in at 100kg. Who wants to drop down to 85kg for a show. Using the Harris-Benedict equation, his TDEE (total daily energy expenditure) would be 2971 calories. This means that to lose 15kg in 6 months, he needs a daily calorie deficit of 642 calories per day. This means a daily calorie intake of 2329 calories per day or 16303 calories per week.


Protein recommendations for maintaining and building muscle sit at around 1.8g per Kg of bodyweight. This means a protein intake of 180g, or 720 calories of protein, which makes up 31% of calories. Say he’s halfway through the diet having lost 7kg. This means a bodyweight of 93 and a TDEE of 2839. At a new deficit of 599, this is daily calorie target of 2240. With a protein need of 167g or 668 calories from protein, making up 30% of calories.


So, we can see that after the 7kg loss, the calorie target has dropped by 4%. but the % of protein required in the diet has only dropped by 3%. This means that we need to try to carry on getting the same amount of protein in the diet percentage-wise. But from lower calorie sources, or increase the protein density of the choices we’re making.

Protein Density Examples

  • It ensures that we’ll get enough protein, for as few calories as possible. This means that we have more calories left for carbohydrates. Which will help to fuel training sessions as calories come down. Also more calories for ‘hyper-palatable’ foods e.g. cake/doughnuts/biscuits. Which will help with dietary adherence.
  • It also ensures that we’re promoting satiety (the feeling of fullness) for as few calories as possible. Which becomes more and more crucial throughout a diet as calories come down.

So, let’s take a look at the ‘protein density’ of a few of the most popular protein sources;
Source Chicken Breast
Protein per 100g 3
Calories per 100g165
Protein Density Score (g Protein per calorie) 0.18

Source Egg
Protein per 100g 13
Calories per 100g155
Protein Density Score (g Protein per calorie) 0.08

Source Ribeye Steak
Protein per 100g 24
Calories per 100g 291
Protein Density Score (g Protein per calorie) 0.08

Source Whey Protein Concentrate
Protein per 100g 82
Calories per 100g 412
Protein Density Score (g Protein per calorie) 0.19


Chicken is generally considered to be the ‘go-to’ protein sources for most people looking to build muscle. We can see that compared to eggs and Ribeye Steak, this choice is justifiable. The protein density is almost double that of both the eggs and the steak. This is because there’s more protein (per 100g) but also more protein for the total amount of calories. Due to the fact that chicken breast contains a lot less fat than either Ribeye Steak or Eggs. This makes it a much better choice when on a calorie-restricted diet.


The My Protein Impact Whey comes out on top. But only just beats the Chicken Breast. The percentage of protein is much higher (82% vs 31% for the Chicken Breast). But the calories per 100g are also much higher. Which explains why the protein density is slightly better. So, while whey is often touted as ‘the best’ protein source for people looking to build or maintain muscle. From a protein-per-calorie point of view, that’s only just true. Chicken breast is actually much more cost-effective. (around £5 per Kg vs Whey at around £17 per kg) if we look at protein density.


Of course, Whey still wins-out when it comes to convenience! So how do other so-called ‘muscle-building’ foods stack up against Whey and Chicken?

Source Peanut Butter
Protein per 100g 25
Calories per 100g 588
Protein Density Score (g Protein per calorie) 0.04

Source Whole Milk
Protein per 100g 3
Calories per 100g 42
Protein Density Score (g Protein per calorie) 0.07

Source Quinoa
Protein per 100g 4
Calories per 100g 120
Protein Density Score (g Protein per calorie) 0.03
Source Kidney Beans

Protein per 100g 24
Calories per 100g 333
Protein Density Score (g Protein per calorie) 0.07
So, what can we learn from this? A few different things;

  • Whole Milk is a surprisingly good protein source, almost as good in fact as eggs and steak.
  • Quinoa is a grain that’s often touted as being ‘high in protein’. But from both a protein percentage and protein density point of view, it’s actually pretty poor. When you compare it Kidney Beans.
  • Kidney Beans are also a surprise, having almost the same protein density as eggs and steak. But don’t get carried away, Kidney Beans aren’t a ‘complete’ protein source. Which means they don’t have all the amino acids required to start muscle protein synthesis. (The conversion of dietary protein into new muscle). The same goes for Quinoa.
  • Peanut butter is a pretty poor source of protein, despite all the ‘hype’ it gets in the fitness world. It has half the protein density of eggs and steak because of the high-calorie content. It shouldn’t be a staple in the diet of anyone looking to lose fat.

Further Optimising Protein Density
So, we’ve learned what protein density is, why it’s important and looked a few ‘typical’ muscle-building foods from a protein density point of view. Chicken and Whey lead the way in protein density, closely followed by eggs, steak and whole milk.
If these foods are staples in your diet, you can rest assured that you’re doing something right. And for anyone on a diet with a reasonable calorie allowance, these foods will be more than enough to provide ample protein. Without eating into your calorie allowance too much. Of course, as we go deeper into a diet, it pays to optimise protein density as much as possible. And attempt to get more protein for fewer calories (or at least the same amount of protein for fewer calories).
So, let’s look at ‘upgrading’ the five best sources we’ve seen so far. With a few easy swaps we can get a bit more bang for our buck with protein density, here’s how;

  • We’re going to swap out the Chicken breast for Turkey breast. Turkey has a very similar taste and texture to chicken and can be used as a direct substitute. It will work as well in all your recipes (stir fry, curry etc).
  • We’ll swap the My Protein Impact Whey for Whey Isolate. This has a higher protein content with fewer carbs and fat (but is a bit more expensive).
  • Let’s remove the yolks from our eggs and have the egg whites instead. Which are pretty much all protein (the yolk is mostly fat).
  • Ribeye Steak can be subbed for Rump steak – a leaner cut with less fat.
  • Whole Milk can be swapped for skimmed – more protein and less fat

Let’s see what they all look like protein-Density wise
Source Turkey Breast
Protein per 100g 34
Calories per 100g 155
Protein Density Score (g Protein per calorie) 0.21

Source Whey Protein Isolate
Protein per 100g 90
Calories per 100g 373
Protein Density Score (g Protein per calorie) 0.24

Source Egg Whites
Protein per 100g 11
Calories per 100g 52
Protein Density Score (g Protein per calorie) 0.21

Source Rump Steak
Protein per 100g 22
Calories per 100g 125
Protein Density Score (g Protein per calorie) 0.17

Source Skimmed Milk
Protein per 100g 4
Calories per 100g 37
Protein Density Score (g Protein per calorie) 0.10


Already we can see we’ve made some significant upgrades. With all these swaps coming in at a much higher protein density than their original counterparts. Let’s put them side by side so we can how much of an impact;


Original Protein Source Chicken Breast 0.18
New Protein Sources Turkey Breast 0.21
Protein Density Uplift +17%
Original Protein Source Whey Protein Concentrate 0.19
New Protein Sources Whey Protein Isolate 0.24
Protein Density Uplift +26%

Original Protein Source Eggs 0.08
New Protein Sources Egg Whites 0.21
Protein Density Uplift +163%
Original Protein Source Ribeye Steak 0.08
New Protein Sources Rump Steak 0.17
Protein Density Uplift +113%

Original Protein Source Whole Milk 0.07
New Protein Sources Skimmed Milk 0.10
Protein Density Uplift +43%


Some amazing increases there!
What have we learned?

  • Choosing a leaner cut of steak (e.g. Rump over Ribeye) can improve the protein density. Because the fat has been reduced. Rump steak is almost as good as chicken breast protein density!
  • Whey Protein was previously the best source for protein density and still is. But we can improve it by picking (albeit more expensive) Whey Isolate instead of Whey Concentrate.
  • We can yield a huge increase (163%) in protein density; again, this mainly due to almost all the fat being removed from the equation.
  • Don’t dismiss milk! The Skimmed variety is cheap and has a better protein density than Whole Eggs and Ribeye Steak

Increasing Variety Further…
Of course, we don’t want to rely solely on the traditional, bland muscle-building foods, and the good news is, you don’t need to!
I have a few other go-to foods that are great for protein density; they are;

  • 0% Greek Yogurt – This is hugely versatile and can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner (or all three!). It goes great with some berries and honey at breakfast. In your chicken wrap at lunch, or as a substitute for soured cream with your Mexican.
  • Prawns – These are underrated in terms of protein content. A lot of supermarkets sell snack-sized contains with tasty garnishes like garlic and chilli.
  • Beef Jerky – One of my favourite on-the-go snacks. This is generally made from lean cuts of beef so has a great protein density score.
  • Low Fat Cheeses – My go-to is BabyBel Light. Each one of these little cheese discs has 5g of protein for only 43 calories
  • Chicken Sausages – Sausages have a bad rep and are usually associated with Pork. But the chicken versions are much lower in fat and can be as tasty, so long as you don’t overcook them!
  • White Fish – It’s so bland on its own, but there’s no arguing with its protein density.

So where do these stack up against the rest of our favourite protein-dense food?
Source Whey Protein Isolate
Protein per 100g 90
Calories per 100g 373
Protein Density Score (g Protein per calorie) 0.24

Source Prawns
Protein per 100g 24
Calories per 100g 99
Protein Density Score (g Protein per calorie) 0.24

Source Cod
Protein per 100g 19
Calories per 100g 85
Protein Density Score (g Protein per calorie) 0.22

Source Egg Whites
Protein per 100g 11
Calories per 100g 52
Protein Density Score (g Protein per calorie) 0.21

Source Turkey Breast
Protein per 100g 34
Calories per 100g 155
Protein Density Score (g Protein per calorie) 0.21

Source Total Greek 0%
Protein per 100g 10
Calories per 100g 54
Protein Density Score (g Protein per calorie) 0.18

Source Rump Steak
Protein per 100g 22
Calories per 100g 125
Protein Density Score (g Protein per calorie) 0.17

Source Beef Jerky
Protein per 100g 36
Calories per 100g 291
Protein Density Score (g Protein per calorie) 0.12

Source BabyBel Light
Protein per 100g 25
Calories per 100g 208
Protein Density Score (g Protein per calorie) 0.12

Source Chicken Sausages
Protein per 100g 15
Calories per 100g 148
Protein Density Score (g Protein per calorie) 0.10

Source Skimmed Milk
Protein per 100g 4
Calories per 100g 37
Protein Density Score (g Protein per calorie) 0.10


So, there you have it – my 11 favourite protein sources ranked on protein density. A shock entry right at the top for prawns (or Shrimps for you North American folk). Which are on a par with Whey Isolate for protein density.


If you have any other suggestions let me know!

Apply to my Online Training & Nutrition Coaching program