Dietician Arlene Normand. Photo: AJN file

DIETICIAN Arlene Normand answers your questions on food, weight loss and exercise.

Now that I am taking up strength training, should I increase my protein intake to build more muscle?

To build muscle, you need adequate protein in your diet, but you do not need more protein than carbohydrates. Most Australians get more protein than they need anyway.

Years ago body builders were known to wolf down T-bones and drink raw eggs in their mission to consume more protein. Today, they are instead turning to high-protein powders and milkshakes, protein bars and tablets but this is totally unnecessary.

Weightlifters need a little more protein than other people, but due to their greater food intake, they are getting the required amount. In addition, strength training, like any endurance athletics, requires extra calories, but most of these should come from carbohydrates.
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