Protein for Fat Burning

Protein reduces your hunger levels. It reduces cravings. Protein increases fat burning.

Why does all this sound like a gimmicky, quick-fix weight-loss solution commercial? After all, I did say I am not interested in sharing extreme diets. I said this in More Than Just Food.

Protein and the Benefits

When I talked about a healthy lifestyle and specifically of healthy eating in More Than Just Food, my aim was simple. It was to revisit and expand on the basic knowledge out there. Knowledge on food and nutrition based on scientific principles. I am hopeful that us exploring the basic nutritional needs of the human body will be motivation. You see, I am hoping we can commit to a regimen of safe, healthy, balanced eating.

So here is the deal. Protein is needed everywhere in our bodies.

After all, ‘more than 10,000 types are found in everything from your organs to your muscles and tissues to your bones, skin, and hair’. In addition, it serves to ‘fuel your energy and carry oxygen throughout your body in your blood’. It ‘also helps make antibodies that fight off infections and illnesses and helps keep cells healthy and create new ones’. See https://www.webmd.com/diet/benefits-protein.

Protein and Amino Acids

Protein is one of 3 macronutrients which the body needs in large amounts. Therefore, on the scale of foods we need, it ranks within the top three. At the very bottom would be ultra-processed foods. I spoke of the latter foods in Healthful Food: Why Ultra-Processed Food is Not It.

Protein is made out of long chains of amino acids. Out of 20 amino acids, nine amino acids are not made by our bodies. Therefore, we have to source for these amino acids outside of our bodies. In addition, these amino acids are essential amino acids.The daily recommended protein intake is anywhere from 10% to 35% of total daily calorie intake. However, illness and stress may cause our amino acid needs to increase https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002467.htm.

Reasons to Eat Protein

Still not convinced that you need a lot of protein in your diet?

Here are 10 reasons to eat more protein:

• Reduces Appetite and Hunger Levels

• Increases Muscle Mass and Strength

• Good for Your Bones

• Reduces Cravings and Desire for Late-Night Snacking

• Boosts Metabolism and Increases Fat Burning

• Lowers Your Blood Pressure

• Helps Maintain Weight Loss

• Does Not Harm Healthy Kidneys

• Helps Your Body Repair Itself After Injury

• Helps You Stay Fit as You Age.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-reasons-to-eat-more-protein#Is-too-much-protein-harmful?.

Varieties of Proteins

There are a variety of protein sources in both plant and animal form. Protein consumption fits a variety of budgets. Eggs, milk, tofu and lentils are very affordable sources of protein. Plant products such as nuts in the form of almonds, cashew, pistachios as well as peanuts are good sources of protein.

If you are more of a meat, poultry and fish eater, you might see if bulk purchasing of proteins help you with meal-planning. Ground meats are ideal for stretching your meat budget with creative meal preparation and cooking.

Meal-Planning and Bulk Purchasing

I use these services myself and am very glad they have a flexible box option so you do not have to lean too much on one class of animal protein. You can pick a combination of seafood, poultry or meat products. Now, I am a big fan of Asian food and I assure you that you can make a tremendous variety and quantity of meals with just one box. And ground meat is super versatile for a whole bunch of cuisines and meals.

Conclusion

We live busy lives.

We need energy, strength and health to make it through every day. Protein is what we need to lead healthful, energetic lives every day.

*This post may contain affiliate links which may compensate the writer of this website in one form or another. However, the author has written this post as part of a larger purpose which is to educate and inform readers on a particular subject related to the advertised products.

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