Protein plays an essential role in our overall health as mammals, as it helps our tissues to repair and regenerate themselves after an injury. It also encourages healthy hair and nail growth and is used in the production of important enzymes and hormones within our bodies. The benefits of protein are numerous, to the point where it is a necessary part of our diets, but can protein really help people to lose weight? High-protein dieters certainly think so, but there’s been a lot of debate surrounding the subject.
Yes, protein is a vital part of the weight loss process, but one should not rely on an increased protein intake alone to help them drop excess pounds. How does protein help encourage healthy weight loss? Continue reading to discover the weight-loss benefits of protein!
Protein Reduces the Urge to Snack
Protein is a very satiating macronutrient, which means that the consumption of protein will keep you feeling fuller for longer. Remaining satiated for longer periods of time is an important part of any healthy, low-calorie diet plan, but it’s easy to get protein from sources that aren’t suited for this kind of diet. If you are interested in figuring out how protein can help curb your hunger when starting or continuing a diet, consider the addition of foods like lean meat, nuts, seeds, seafood and low-fat dairy products. The best part is you can get these foods delivered to your home by using online services such as Brooklyn grocery delivery if you are in Brooklyn, if you are in another city you can change Brooklyn to your city.
Protein Can Keep Your Blood Sugar Steady
The combination of protein and carbohydrates can reduce the rate in which sugar is metabolized into the bloodstream. This causes blood sugar levels to dip, which commonly results in the person making poor dietary choices that day. By slowing down the absorption of sugars into the bloodstream, protein prevents those unpleasant sugar “lows” or “crashes.”
Protein Helps the Body Burn Fat
In addition to the loss of fat, muscle loss is also a common part of overall body weight loss. Because protein is essential to the repair and maintenance of muscle tissue, it is especially important to make sure that you are consuming an adequate amount regardless of your diet. If the body lacks a suitable amount of protein, the body will not burn its fat reserves like it should – which can stunt weight loss.
Protein Requires More Calories to Burn
A portion of the calories in the food we eat are appropriated toward the metabolism of our food. The Thermic Effect of Food (or TEF) refers to the energy that’s required by the body to break our food down into its absorbable components. Carbohydrates and fats have a lower TEF than protein, meaning that protein requires more calories to burn.
Protein Promotes Muscle Growth
Weight loss often includes some degree of muscle loss, and the exercise required to lose weight can cause muscles to need some recuperation. A high-protein snack or meal can be beneficial after a workout, as this is when the body is going to be more receptive to the introduction of macro and micro nutrients required for it to repair and grow.