Protein is an essential macronutrient that every individual must incorporate in their diet. However, adjusting your intake to include more lean proteins can be helpful when it comes to achieving your weight loss goals. That said, simply eating more protein will not result in weight loss, so it is important to understand what it can do for your body and how you can use it to shed some extra pounds.
Below are some of the reasons why protein is excellent for weight loss:
- Protein-rich foods are more fulfilling: Foods that are high in protein are generally more satisfying and make a person feel fuller for longer periods of time. Of course, this means that you are less likely to feel hungry. As a result, you will be less prone to giving in to your food cravings and might snack less throughout the day, sparing you unnecessary calories, and ultimately assisting you through your weight loss journey.
- It can curb carb highs and lows: Generally, when we come off a sugar high, we tend to make poor food decisions. If you were to pair up a protein with a carbohydrate-rich food, however, you could slow down the absorption of sugar from your stomach into your bloodstream, effectively staving off your cravings.
- Proteins require more energy: If you have never heard of the term “thermic effect of food” (TEF), now is the time to familiarize yourself with it. The TEF is essentially the energy we use to digest food and, compared to carbs or fat, protein has a much higher TEF. Therefore, eating foods that are rich in protein will require you to burn more calories to process them, which is obviously a major plus if you are trying to lose weight.
- It can help fuel fat burning: In order for the body to effectively burn and use fat as energy, it needs help from two other macronutrients – carbohydrates and protein. When you lose weight, your body will lose both muscle and fat, which is why it is critical to incorporate enough protein in your diet. Consuming an adequate amount of protein will help preserve lean muscle while allowing you to burn fat.
- It assists with muscle repair and growth: If intense exercise is part of your weight loss plan, protein is necessary for both repair and grow your muscles. Remember, the more muscle you develop, the easier it will be to burn fat. That said, you should also keep in mind that an excessive intake of protein can lead to weight gain and eventually harm your kidneys if you continue to consume too much of it over a long period of time. A good rule of thumb to follow is to eat between 25 to 30 grams of protein per meal.
Weight Loss Programs in Louisiana
Losing weight can be difficult and, oftentimes, many of us lack the knowledge that is necessary for sustainable weight loss. At Soza Weight Loss, our facility provides effective solutions that provide rapid and long-lasting results. Additionally, since we understand that no two people are alike, we tailor our plans to each individual’s needs based on several different factors, including age, starting weight, health conditions, and gender.
To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today at (504) 475-9817 to schedule a free consultation.