Staying strong - goodnews - extra protein to build muscles - Brief Article

Better Nutrition, May, 2003

Myth: If you're serious about hitting the weights, you'll need extra protein to build up your muscles.

Truth: Virtually all North Americans get much more protein than they need in their regular diets. The key to bigger muscles is the correct exercise program combined with a balanced diet.

To give your muscles the energy they need for top performance, eat plenty of complex carbohydrate foods such as vegetables, potatoes and whole grain versions of pasta, bread and rice.

In fact, the list of world-class athletes who got their protein without using meat is a long one and includes Cory Everson (six-time Ms. Olympia), Kathy Johnson (Olympic gymnast), Tony LaRussa (former baseball player, now manager of the St. Louis Cardinals) and even Dennis Rodman (who simply defies description).