Protein Promotes Weight Loss

Protein Promotes Weight Loss

Protein is such an important nutrient that it makes up your hair, your nails, your skin, your muscles, etc.  That’s why a deficiency of protein in your diet can cause so many metabolic disturbances.  Here are five reasons protein is so important and how it can actually promote weight loss.

• Protein stimulates muscle repair and growth: The need for protein is critical especially after intense workouts. Therefore, consider having a high protein snack right after a training session when you muscles are sensitive to nutrients that it can use to repair and grow. How does this help burn fat? Carrying more muscle takes more energy, which means you burn more calories even while just sitting.
• Protein fuels fat burning: It is a scientific fact that your body cannot effectively burn fat and use it as an energy source if it doesn’t have help from either carbohydrate or protein. As you are losing weight and dropping pounds, your body can lose both muscle and fat. During this process, consuming an adequate amount of protein will fuel fat burning while still preserving lean muscle.
• Protein necessitates more of your energy: The thermic effect of food(TEF) is the energy we utilize to digest food into small, absorbable components. Protein has a higher TEF compared to carbohydrates and fat. What does this mean? You’re actually burning more calories while breaking down and processing protein than carbs.
• It curbs carb highs and lows: Pay close attention to how you feel after consuming foods higher in sugar. After eating that piece of chocolate cake or chocolate chip cookie, you want another, then another and yet another. Who can stop at just one? Here’s the trick, pairing protein with carbohydrate-rich foods slows down the absorption of sugar from your stomach into your bloodstream, which helps keep your blood sugar from skyrocketing and ward off those future cravings.
• Protein satiates and fills you up: Protein helps you feel fuller longer. Consuming protein slows down digestion, making us feel satiated and also staves off hunger. We are then less likely to go back for a second helping or grab those in between snacks. Eliminating those unnecessary calories will also eliminate those unwanted pounds.

Now, don’t go crazy!! Just like anything else, there has to be a balance. Consuming excess amounts of protein can lead to weight gain much like excess carbs or fat would. To get more information on how much protein you should be consuming for your individual needs and your lifestyle or if you’re looking to improve your health, lose weight, build strength, or if you’re frustrated with your current level of fitness and looking to hire a personal trainer, contact us.