34. Do you need a protein supplement or is real food good enough?

Protein pancakes, protein brownies, protein smoothies... there's even protein chocolate bars and protein popcorn in the supermarkets now!

Protein plays a key role in muscle growth and repair, it forms enzymes and hormones to keep our bodies functioning normally and performing optimally.

It's good stuff, and is often overlooked by many of the cyclists and clients I work with.

But does that mean I recommend cyclists use protein supplements or first try to get everything from food?

Not at all!

Sometimes I’ve found clients using protein bars as a less tasty chocolate bar substitute when a real food option would be much more filling.