Using protein after exercising isn’t something that I consider is designed for people like me. I’m not interested in bulking up my muscles, or becoming super strong, and I don’t spend hours (or any time actually!) using the free weights at the gym.
Protein is, however, a key nutrient we all need in our diets. It provides the building blocks for growth and repair.
1lb of body fat is 3,500 calories. In order to lose 1lb fat per week you need to create a 500 calorie deficit each day. Ideally made up of exercise as well as cutting back on bad food groups. A lot of women are afraid to try protein out of fear that it will bulk them up, it won’t! A high protein diet keeps you fuller for longer, increases metabolic rate, enhances recovery and muscle repair and can preserve lean muscle which in turn increases resting energy expenditure.
Maxitone have a range of protein products aimed at women, and I was asked if I wanted to give them a try. After explaining that any exercise I do is aimed at general fitness and toning, they sent me a handful of their Definity bars to try out, explaining that they’re higher in protein to encourage recovery and muscle repair when working out and are currently being used by our very own GB Netball team, which is a good advert I reckon.
The snack bars are designed as a post workout snack or for the mid-morning munchies. The fact that it’s not a shake makes it more accessible to begin with, and so I decided to give them a go. I ate my bars after cycling and after doing the 30 Day Shred DVD.
Taste wise these are actually very nice. They are quite small and have cranberries in them which give a lovely flavour. Each bar contains just 83 calories and so they don’t take up a massive chunk of your daily allowance.
Am I more toned as a result of using them? Well no, probably not, but then I only had a handful of them. But I would say they helped with my energy levels after eating, noticeably better than a standard cereal bar. And if they were also doing my muscles some good in the process then all the better.