Tag: muscle

testosterone

How to increase your testosterone levels.

High testosterone is essential for a man, and if you aren’t optimising yours you’re leaving happiness and success on the table!

Healthy levels of testosterone are so important. For general health, disease risk, body composition, sexual function and just about everything else.

Additionally, increasing your testosterone levels can cause rapid gains in muscle mass and vitality in only a matter of weeks.

But how can you boost your testosterone levels? And how can you do it naturally so you can avoid hormone replacement therapy?

Let’s have a look at some lifestyle factors that will remedy the situation.

First up is exercise, to be more specific resistance training/weights.

People who lift have higher testosterone levels. Not does exercise increase testosterone levels, and fitness but also reaction times.

Factor into your week a minimum effective dosage. Resistance the urge to go full banana and instead commit to an amount of sessions you can realistically stick to. Even if only 2 sessions per week.

A Balanced diet,

to clarify, is eating enough protein, to aid satiety to aid weight loss, and muscle repair. Having enough carbohydrates also optimize testosterone levels during resistance training. And a balance of fats which are also beneficial for testosterone and health.

Combined with an energy target for your goal you will have a ‘REAL’ healthy diet.

Stress management

Natural elevations in cortisol can reduce testosterone. These hormones work in a seesaw-like manner: as one goes up, the other comes down.

Chronic stress and high cortisol can also increase food intake, weight gain, and the storage of fat around your organs.

This is why it is paramount you input into your day time for actions that will see you decompress, away from stressors and stimulation.

Sleep

Getting good sleep is as, if not more important for your health as diet and exercise. It also has major effects on your testosterone levels.

The ideal amount of sleep varies from person to person. But one study found sleeping only 5 hours per night caused a 15% reduction in testosterone levels!

This is why it would be prudent to implement a bedtime routine that will improve the duration and quality of your sleep. Why not set an alarm at the same time each day to start your bedtime routine

For more help with these lifestyle factors download a free copy of my guide The Gentleman’s Vitality Handbook

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Maximising muscle growth rate with diet

At long last and now restrictions have been lifted and you are excited that you have your holiday booked.

Although the thought has dawned on you. That you will be spending a significant amount of time in minimal clothing.


Lockdown living has been unkind to your waistline and there is only several months before you are poolside. Not enamoured with your current physique. you might be feeling uncomfortable with the thought of being poolside.


So with gyms reopening it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cracking on getting in shape. You have your training program and you have your diet plan in place. [from The Gentleman’s guide to getting in shape). You’re looking forward to feeling ‘beach ready’ when you leave for all-inclusive bliss.


You want to make sure that whilst you are losing body fat and getting trim you are preserving/building muscle in the process. Training is key and making sure you have enough protein – that’s very important too!


Read my previous blog ‘How much protein do I need?‘ for help with understanding how much you need.


You could also maximize our muscle growth through nutrient timing! You know your daily protein target now it’s time to look at spreading that out over the course of the day. Your daily protein target spread over 4 servings is going to be very helpful. To keep you in a net anabolic [muscle building] state.


Refractory period, leucine threshold, MPS, EAAs blah blah, it’s not that important. Know that 4 servings are going to be optimal in novice trainees and 3 is fine for beginners.

Then we want to time our carbohydrates [both simple & complex carbs]. To ensure we are getting the most out of and recovering from our sessions.

After we have all that in place we are looking at introducing performance supplements. Pre-workout, post-workout, and some at various frequencies over the day!


So let’s have a look at what a good day looks like…

If you are looking to get in great shape book in for a FREE consultation call where we can discuss your training and nutrition

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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!

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