Friday, January 2, 2009

Weight Loss and Quality Protein

By Ricardo d Argence

Abundant quantities of protein is required by the body for proper nutrition. It is called a macronutrient and provides about 4 calories a gram to the body for its health. It is vital for the formation of the body's building blocks. Do not be surprised to notice that it helps with many things including, but not limited to, upkeep of muscles, immune system and muscles. Protein is essential to enzyme creation as well as overall healthy blood.

Unlike some other nutrients, our bodies do not produce any protein so it is vital that we take in enough protein on a daily basis.

Any hope of building and maintaining strong muscles hinges upon sufficient protein in the diet. The more muscle mass you produce the more effectively your body burns fat also. Considering that your heart is a muscle, it can easily be negatively affected by a low or no protein diet.

Consuming some kind of protein with each meal leaves you more satisfied in between meals and helps control not only your appetite but also your cravings for certain foods you should not have. Protein takes more energy to digest than other nutrients. In the process of your body digesting protein, it winds up increasing the body's temperature by a few degrees.

When your body's temperature has increased, even in small amounts, what you get is a thermogenic effect that helps the body to burn calories in a more efficient way. This can help you in your quest to lose weight. Those types of food that add the weight can be avoided eating the correct amount of protein. That will also keep you from eating in between meals.

Protein can be used as a replacement for sweets as it is often the case that this is what your body is craving, rather than sweets.

Some sorces of quality protein are:

Skinless chicken breasts are much lower in fat than the dark meat on chicken. The skin with its high fat content should never be consumed. Tuna, Salmon, in fact all kinds of fish are great sources for lean protein as long as they are grilled, broiled, or baked. Avoid heavy breaded fried fish. Skinless turkey breasts are basically similar to the chicken mentioned here.

You should also try with: egg whites are much lower in fat than the yolks. Skim milk and great source of protein and dairy that can be consumed daily. Whey protein powder is a great supplement to use to make sure you are getting enough protein. Tuna, Salmon, in fact all kinds of fish are great sources for lean protein as long as they are grilled, broiled, or baked. - 15485

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