Function Of Protein And Weight Loss

Protein has been touted as the essential nutrient, the nutrientthat will ruin your kidneys if you eat too much, etc, etc. Research has shown though that protein is key to weight loss andhelping to provide the feeling of fullness and that it is safe. Protein is key to weight loss because not only does it help you feel fuller faster and longer it also burns more calories than carbs or fat.

That's right the thermic effect of protein is nearly double of carbs and fat. When you eat it your body burns energy to break down that food. Well, protein causes your body to burn nearly twice as much energy to breakdown the food as does carbs or fat.This added Thermic Effect of Food is an added boost to your metabolism. By eating some type of lean protein at every meal 4-6 times a day will keep your metabolism at a higher state all day long. You could essentially burn 100-200 more calories per day by just adding protein at every meal. That’s an incredible 6000calories a month. Almost two pounds of a month .

Another benefit to adding protein at your meals is the fat releasing effect. Eating protein leads to the release of glucagon, a hormone that aids in the release of stored bodyfat to beused for energy. It also helps prevent the storage of fat by creating a lower insulin esponse .Of course we are most familiar with protein/amino acids as the building blocks for creating new muscle. Muscle of course will increase our metabolism and force our bodies to burn more calories which results in more fat calories being burned off.

These 3 benefits of protein all directly help us burn more calories and lose excess fat. I suggest you  incorporate a lean protein source at every meal to enhance utilization of fat for energy, provide satiety(fullness), increase the TEF of their meal and to provide the building blocks to add new metabolism friendly muscle. Bottom line: have a serving of protein every time you eat !