Protein is like the building blocks for your body. But not all proteins are the same. The type of protein you eat matters because it does different jobs in your body.
There are two important things to consider when it comes to protein
Amino Acids: Proteins are made up of tiny pieces called amino acids. Some proteins have all the important amino acids you need, and we call them "complete proteins." Others are missing a few and are called "incomplete proteins." To keep your body healthy, you need to eat enough of these important amino acids every day.
Digestibility: Some proteins are easy for your body to use, while others are a bit harder to digest. Proteins from animals like chicken, eggs, and dairy are usually easier for your body to use. Plant-based proteins, like beans and nuts, can be a bit more challenging for your body to process.
So, what does this mean for swimmers? Well, it's a good idea to eat a variety of proteins. You can get complete proteins from things like chicken, fish, and eggs. And if you like plant-based foods, you can combine different ones to make sure you get all the important amino acids.
In simple terms, you should eat protein every day. A high-protein breakfast is a good start (think eggs or yogurt). Try to have fish a couple of times a week, and mix up your protein sources, like chicken, dairy, and things like tofu and quinoa. This helps your body stay strong and healthy for your swimming adventures!