Eating animal protein following training can improve recovery, study finds

The type of protein you eat after intense physical training can significantly impact recovery, according to new research. The study examined how different protein sources in military-style meals ready-to-eat (MREs) affected recovery in members of Texas A&M's Corps of Cadets after completing the Army Combat Fitness Test. Creatine—a compound stored in muscle and essential for cellular energy production and recovery—is most abundant in animal-based proteins like meat and fish. While the recommended daily intake ranges from 2 to 4 grams, depending on muscle mass and activity level, most individuals fall short, especially those following vegetarian or vegan diets. Researchers tracked...