Incomplete Protein-Vegetarian Approach

William Smith is the President / CEO and Founder of the INTRAFITT Corporation which was established in California in 1992. Will has won more than twenty-eight bodybuilding championships and is also known for his role as “THUNDER” on television’s American Gladiator between 1990 – 1992. He is a National and International Speaker on Performance Nutrition and Exercise Science.

Picking up where we left off on incomplete proteins, consider the conventional vegetarian approach which requires the combining of two or more incomplete proteins in order to acquire the necessary essential amino acids needed to achieve a complete protein, such as rice and beans.  Lets assume that a vegetarian has dietary recommendations consisting of approximately three hundred and fifty calories, twenty grams of complete protein, eight grams of fat and forty-eight grams of carbohydrates at each of four meals throughout the day. Ffirst of all in order to obtain twenty grams of complete protein he/she will have to combine foods such as grains, seeds, nuts, vegetables and legumes.  If rice and beans happened to be his/her choice, what would be the proper ration of rice and beans necessary to provide a biologically acceptable amino acid profile and that would be properly  assimilated within his/her body?  Additionally, how much extra protein would need to be ingested due to the B.V. (biological value) and/or N.P.U. (net protein utilization) associated with these two foods?

1.5 oz rice                 = 150 CALS = 3 g Protein = 33 g Carbs and 0 fat
1.5 oz black beans = 146 CALS = 10g Protein= 26 g Carbs and 0 fat

It appears as though it may be difficult to comply with the above suggested parameters given the fact that in order to obtain twenty grams of complete protein at each meal, the individual would most likely exceed the recommended calorie guidelines.  Additionally a fat rich food source such as olive oil may need to be added in order to achieve the recommended fat intake.  This in itself would significantly increase the total calorie content of the meal well over the recommended guidelines.  The final concern with this dietary approach relates to the carbohydrate ratio of the meal, which appears to be disproportionately high.  As previously discussed, carbohydrates have the most significant effect on blood sugar and the insulin response.  A meal such as this may promote an unfavorable hormonal response due to the inadequacy of dietary fats and available high quality complete protein.

In health and honor,
William “Billy” Smith, Thunder of the American Gladiators

Visit us at www.intrafitt.com for your individual nutrition and exercise program.  Learn how to be fit and lean for life!  Contact me any time at gladiator@intrafitt.com

Is Protein Used For Energy?

William Smith is the President / CEO and Founder of the INTRAFITT Corporation which was established in California in 1992. Will has won more than twenty-eight bodybuilding championships and is also known for his role as “THUNDER” on television’s American Gladiator between 1990 – 1992. He is a National and International Speaker on Performance Nutrition and Exercise Science.

Although carbohydrates and fats are the body’s primary fuel source during rest and exercise, amino acids such as Leucin, Isoleucine, Valine and Glutamine are also used for energy purposes especially during long bouts of exercise.  In fact, in the later stages of prolonged endurance exercise, protein may contribute up to 15% of the total energy used by the muscles.  Individual metabolic variables, the nutritional status, biological conditions and behavioral factors will ultimately determine the rate and to what extent amino acids are used for energy during rest and exercise in each individual.

Incomplete Proteins (plant and vegetable derived) are quite different from Complete proteins in a variety of ways and are commonly referred to as protein containing foods because they do not contain adequate levels of all of the nine essential amino acids and because they are usually higher in carbohydrates than they are in protein.  For example, the protein contained in a one and a half ounce serving of pasta equated to approximately six grams of incomplete protein, thirty two grams of carbohydrates and 165 calories.    However in a one and a half ounce chicken breast you will get ten grams of complete protein, zero carbohydrates and only 45 calories.

As you can see, the protein yield in the chicken breast is almost twice as high when compared to the pasta, whereas the calorie yield is nearly 70% lower.  It is important to point out that animal meats are approximately 70% water, which contributes to the low-calorie content on a per ounce basis when compared to that of a carbohydrate rich food.  Perhaps this is one reason why popular diet themes today suggest high-protein/low carbohydrate meal plans to promote weight loss.

In strength and honor,
William (Billy) Smith/aka Thunder of the American Gladiators

Visit us at www.intrafitt.com to purchase your individual nutrition program.  Any questions, I am gladiator@intrafitt.com  Hope to hear from you soon.

Complete Protein vs Incomplete Protein…What is the Difference?

William Smith is the President / CEO and Founder of the INTRAFITT Corporation which was established in California in 1992. Will has won more than twenty-eight bodybuilding championships and is also known for his role as “THUNDER” on television’s American Gladiator between 1990 – 1992. He is a National and International Speaker on Performance Nutrition and Exercise Science.

For the most part, dietary proteins can be divided into two categories; Complete Proteins which are those derived from animal sources such as chicken, fish, eggs, beef, turkey, milk, yogurt, and cheese and Incomplete Proteins such as those derived from plant and vegetable sources including nuts, seeds, rice, pasta and beans.  Quantitatively and qualitatively speaking, complete proteins are superior in amino acid content and bioavailable nitrogen per unit weight than incomplete proteins.  This is important to realize because the role of amino acids in human metabolism is to not only build and maintain the tissues of the body but also to transport, regulate, protect and maintain a variety of other metabolic processes.

Please send all questions to info@intrafitt.com  Join me on Sunday mornings at www.wbt.com at 10 AM EST for my new radio show or log onto to www.intrafitt.com and listen to it 24/7 under Media Center.

In strength and honor,
William Smith/aka Thunder

Next time we will discuss the role that amino acids play in the hormonal regulation of lipolysis and beta-oxidation.