Protein in the body is different from fats and carbohydrates in that it is not stored for later consumption. Your body keeps reserves of carbohydrates in the form of starch, or glycogen. Stored in the liver and in muscle cells, these macronutrients are available at any time when the body's demands calls for them. Fat is also stored in the body for later consumption. We're all familiar with the dreaded adipose, or fat cells, that we store on our body. While they are dreaded because they tend to hide muscularity, they are useful in the means that they always provide fat for our organs and body processes whenever called upon.

When it comes to protein, our bodies are not such packrats. Your body regularly has the need for amino acids, or protein in the bloodstream, throughout the day. When you've consumed adequate protein and it's available at adequate levels, the body sits in a positive nitrogen balance, and muscle is built and maintained. When you haven't eaten adequate protein, your body will delve into the only protein reserves it has muscle tissue. As a bodybuilder, you know how hard you work to build and maintain muscle tissue. It seems quite counterproductive to spend months and years building muscle, only to allow your body to burn it up.

After each meal containing protein, you have about a 4 hour window where protein levels in your bloodstream are adequate. After that, you go into a protein deficit, also known as catabolism. At this point, you are burning muscle. This is equivalent to crisis mode for the bodybuilder, and should always be avoided.

It isn't rocket science to avoid catabolism, or a state of protein deficit. Eat 30 to 40 grams of protein, every three hours. If you can do that, you are assured your body isn't going into any protein deficit mode. If preparing a meal every 3 hours proves to be too demanding for your work of family schedule, find ways to work around that. Packing 2 shakers with whey and two protein bars into your daily routine just takes a few minutes, and can deliver an additional 120 grams (4 servings of 30 grams) very easily. Add those to your three whole-food meals (consisting of good fat, carb, and protein sources) and your blood protein levels will never slip into the negative. As a result, you'll always have protein at your body's disposal whenever your muscles call for it!