At CrossFit NewFound, we are big believers in the power of strength training and its ability to not only make you look and feel better daily, but to increase your quality of life and longevity over the years to come. Unfortunately, most people don’t pair their strength training with enough protein. Without consistent, quality intake of protein, in the right amounts, your muscles can’t be repaired and come back stronger from that hard workout. That’s why we are having a PROTEIN CHALLENGE!
2024 PROTEIN CHALLENGE
Beginning Monday, August 26, we will be starting an 8-week PROTEIN CHALLENGE, and every member is eligible! The rules are very simple:
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Obtain your daily protein goal via a Styku body scan.
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Track your protein intake daily, and enter it into the “Protein” section of the daily WODs in the Chalk It app.
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Feel better, look better, perform better and WIN PRIZES!
BENEFITS OF PROTEIN INTAKE
In addition to supporting the repair and growth of your muscles, there are many other benefits to tracking your protein intake and making sure you are getting enough of this macro.
REDUCE APPETITE AND HUNGER
Lots of people are looking to drop a few pounds, and one of the easiest ways to do this is by increasing your protein intake. Protein reduces your level of the hunger hormone ghrelin, while at the same time boosting the levels of peptide YY, a hormone that makes you feel full. By eating more protein, you feel fuller and eat less, leading to a calorie deficit required to cut weight, but without feeling restricted and hungry! Also, protein has a much higher thermic effect than fat or carbs, boosting metabolism and increasing the number of calories you burn.
LOWER YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE
Protein-rich foods can help reduce blood pressure by improving the balance of sodium and potassium in the body. Proteins contribute to the production of enzymes and hormones that regulate blood pressure, and they also help maintain muscle mass, which supports healthy blood vessel function.
BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are fundamental for building and repairing tissues, including those involved in immune responses. Key immune components such as white blood cells, antibodies, and cytokines rely on a steady supply of amino acids to function optimally. Additionally, foods rich in protein can enhance the overall resilience of the immune system, helping the body to better defend against infections and diseases.
MAINTAIN HEALTHY SKIN, HAIR AND NAILS
Collagen, a key protein in the skin, provides strength and elasticity, helping to keep skin smooth and youthful. Proteins like keratin are vital for the health of hair and nails, contributing to their strength and resilience. Amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, aid in the regeneration and repair of these tissues, promoting their growth and durability.
IMPROVE BRAIN FUNCTION
Neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, are chemical messengers that facilitate communication between neurons, and influence mood, focus, and memory. Amino acids derived from dietary proteins are precursors to these neurotransmitters, helping to regulate their levels and support optimal brain activity.
2024 PROTEIN CHALLENGE
To enter the challenge you must obtain a protein goal. Your daily protein intake goal will be based off your lean body mass, which will be determined via our Styku body scanner. You can use the link below to register for a guaranteed time to get a scan or just ask a coach before or after class (scans require you to be wearing only compression undergarments, and take only 5 minutes). Immediately following your scan, you will be assigned your protein intake amount in grams and be entered into the challenge.
The challenge will have weekly Male/Female winners (prizes to be announced), and a Male/Female grand prize of a 2-pound container of protein at the end of the challenge. Winners will be determined by calculating the ratio of successful days meeting or exceeding the number of grams of protein you have been assigned. Daily protein intake results must be posted in the Chalk It app by midnight of that Sunday to be eligible for prizes.
Further detailed instructions will be provided to all those who register. If you have any questions, see one of the NEWF coaches.
