Should You Eat More Protein?

When you are trying to lose weight and are not sure how to approach the task, it is very easy to instinctually say, "well, I just won’t eat that." But as is often the case with people try to skip a meal or swear off certain foods, the boomerang effect is worse. We restrict ourselves to the point that when we break and give in, we over indulge doing greater damage than if we had eaten a little bit more often. Surprisingly, there are foods you can eat more of to help you lose weight. Those are foods that are high in protein, because protein helps build and maintain muscle, keeps you fuller longer and helps with fat loss.

Protein is the building blocks of muscle. Protein, when ingested, is broken down into amino acids. Those amino acids are then turned back into proteins that are exactly what your muscles need. Protein is also nutrient dense and lower in calories than lots of the fattening foods that a hungry person may crave.

When we exercise, our muscle fibers tear. Sure, you’ll see a good pump during your workouts as your muscles filled with oxygen rich blood, but it is during the resting phase where our muscle repair and grow. That growth is fueled by protein. Bodybuilders eat a lot of extra protein to fuel the muscle growth to keep up with the intense workouts and goals they are trying to achieve with their coaches advisement. For the rest of us, you’ll get similar advice, with possibly a reduced intensity, working with an online trainer for weight loss.

But, protein also helps us maintain our muscle and works against muscle loss. This goes back to the premise of what fuels our muscles. That’s protein. Should you be in a situation, such as suffering an injury, where you have to take an extended break from exercise, you shouldn’t also take a break from eating well. Keep fueling those muscles with protein. They won’t continue to grow, but this can slow muscle atrophy. You don’t need the best personal trainer, but working with an experienced personal trainer can be a big benefit to getting your protein intake right for the workout you want to experience.

Protein also helps you stay fuller longer. It is the most filling nutrient, so your muscles aren’t crying out for nourishment. Protein also reduces the levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin. So, eating foods like fish, chicken or beef are not only tasty, but they help you extend time between meals.

We also look to protein to help us with fat loss. Protein helps boost your metabolism and reduces your appetite. Thus, you’ll stay fuller longer while at the same time burning more calories at a higher rate. This is the combination that when it is correctly in balance can lead to effective and efficient results.

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