cottage cheese: the perfect post workout snack with Tracy Lockwood Beckerman, MS, RD

Everyone wants protein in their diet, especially after a good work out.  But what exactly is in protein that makes it so darn valuable to our bodies? The answer is in two simple words: amino acids.

There are 20 amino acids that make up protein structures, each delivering unique benefits and health properties to protein. 

During exercise, the body breaks down protein (aka amino acids), coming from muscle and tissue. This is known as the anabolic, or breakdown, phase. This phase allows us to efficiently exercise and get our body movin’ and groovin’. In order to repair those so-called “damaged” muscles post work-out, it’s essential to get amino acids via protein sources back into the body through our diet. 

While the body can make a lot of those amino acids on it’s own (specifically 11 out of the 20 amino acids), it can’t make 100% of them. It relies on foods in the diet to obtain the remaining 9 essential amino acids. And that’s where Good Culture cottage cheese comes in.

While the body can make a lot of those amino acids on it’s own (specifically 11 out of the 20 amino acids), it can’t make 100% of them. It relies on foods in the diet to obtain the remaining 9 essential amino acids. And that’s where Good Culture cottage cheese comes in.

Tracy Lockwood Beckerman, MS, RD is a registered dietitian and women’s health expert. She is the author of “The Better Period Food Solution” which has helped countless women take control of their health. She is the host of “You Versus Food” on YouTu…

Tracy Lockwood Beckerman, MS, RD is a registered dietitian and women’s health expert. She is the author of “The Better Period Food Solution” which has helped countless women take control of their health. She is the host of “You Versus Food” on YouTube. Follow her on social media @thehappiestnutritionist.

Good Culture cottage cheese is a complete protein source, aka a hole-in-one. It has all 9 essential amino acids in one container so you don’t have to go rummaging around trying to find other foods to hit your amino acid quota.

After you exercise, it’s important to eat protein centric foods. There is a short and narrow window after the physical activity when the body most efficiently and effectively restores it’s worn out tissues and muscles. That’s why it’s key to eat protein forward food, such as Good Culture cottage cheese, within 1-3 hours of exercising to take advantage of the muscle’s sensitive state. Consuming protein after exercising will optimize muscle growth and help to create stronger muscles down the road. However, if you can’t eat protein within that window, no sweat. Just be sure to have protein at your next meal in order to hit your daily quota of protein requirements.

It’s super simple to refuel your body with the amino acids found in Good Culture cottage cheese. Get jazzy with your next bowl of cottage cheese – add some hemp seed, chia seeds, or walnuts for an added bonus of heart healthy omega 3’s, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients. With just one serving, you know you are doing your muscles and health just right!