Welcome to the new craze! It seems Protein's connection to weight loss is sweeping the nation.
In case you haven't yet heard, this sensation will soon be everywhere - talk shows, magazine covers and commercials.
I am sure we can expect hundreds of new books on this "new breakthrough.
" Protein isn't the magic bullet millions of Americans have been waiting for, but then again nothing is - because there is no magic bullet.
If you take a moment and look past the hype and catchy diet names you will find that protein is an important and powerful weight loss tool that can significantly help you reach your goal weight.
However, it doesn't come without a warning.
Here are the basics.
Protein is Tough - Which is Good: This is helpful because it is harder for your body to metabolize.
Some recent studies have determined that it takes 25% more energy to digest and metabolize a gram of protein when compared to a carbohydrate.
In other words, eating 75 calories of protein is like eating 100 calories of carbs.
Protein Fills You Up: Because protein is harder to breakdown - it takes longer to digest.
This helps weight loss because you get full faster and generally won't eat as much.
Protein Helps Build Lean Muscle: If your goal is long term health and maintaining a reasonable weight, then few things are more important than building lean muscle.
Why? Well, as you build lean muscle your metabolism increases and your body requires more calories to meet its daily functions, thus making it easier to maintain your weight.
Also if you have a fit body with healthy, toned muscles you will have more energy and will be more likely to be active than if you have an unhealthylevel of body fat.
Protein Stabilizes Insulin Levels: Stable insulin levels provide you with a consistent stream of energy instead of the spike and drop you receive from eating refined carbohydrates.
The steady insulin supply also contributes to reduced cravings and the ability to stay full longer.
How Much is Too Much? Like all things - moderation is key.
In fact many high protein diets simply take aim at our obsession with simple carbohydrates.
The goal is to replace eating large amounts of refined sugars with wholesome chicken, salmon, and soy.
Experience tells us that balance is important.
Many, many Americans (especially females) aren't getting enough protein in their diet.
A diet with between 30 - 50% of calories coming from protein will aid in weight loss and more importantly lead to long term health.
And Now - The Catch...
Now for the warning: Don't over do it.
Excessive protein consumption can be dangerous and lead to severe health problems - specifically bone loss, osteoporosis, and kidney failure.
Additionally, not all proteins are the same.
Some foods that contain large amounts of protein also have more than their share of saturated fat, which should be minimized.
The recommended daily intake of protein is about 0.
4 grams per pound of body weight.
Though active adults should strive for between .
5 - and 1 gram per pound of body fat.
It also may be a good idea to take a calcium supplement if you are eating more than the recommended daily intake of protein.
As always, consult your doctor before beginning taking a supplement or beginning a new diet or exercise program.
Get your free membership to fitnovo.
com today and take advantage of our free workout journal, calorie tracker, and community forums! http://www.
fitnovo.
com
In case you haven't yet heard, this sensation will soon be everywhere - talk shows, magazine covers and commercials.
I am sure we can expect hundreds of new books on this "new breakthrough.
" Protein isn't the magic bullet millions of Americans have been waiting for, but then again nothing is - because there is no magic bullet.
If you take a moment and look past the hype and catchy diet names you will find that protein is an important and powerful weight loss tool that can significantly help you reach your goal weight.
However, it doesn't come without a warning.
Here are the basics.
Protein is Tough - Which is Good: This is helpful because it is harder for your body to metabolize.
Some recent studies have determined that it takes 25% more energy to digest and metabolize a gram of protein when compared to a carbohydrate.
In other words, eating 75 calories of protein is like eating 100 calories of carbs.
Protein Fills You Up: Because protein is harder to breakdown - it takes longer to digest.
This helps weight loss because you get full faster and generally won't eat as much.
Protein Helps Build Lean Muscle: If your goal is long term health and maintaining a reasonable weight, then few things are more important than building lean muscle.
Why? Well, as you build lean muscle your metabolism increases and your body requires more calories to meet its daily functions, thus making it easier to maintain your weight.
Also if you have a fit body with healthy, toned muscles you will have more energy and will be more likely to be active than if you have an unhealthylevel of body fat.
Protein Stabilizes Insulin Levels: Stable insulin levels provide you with a consistent stream of energy instead of the spike and drop you receive from eating refined carbohydrates.
The steady insulin supply also contributes to reduced cravings and the ability to stay full longer.
How Much is Too Much? Like all things - moderation is key.
In fact many high protein diets simply take aim at our obsession with simple carbohydrates.
The goal is to replace eating large amounts of refined sugars with wholesome chicken, salmon, and soy.
Experience tells us that balance is important.
Many, many Americans (especially females) aren't getting enough protein in their diet.
A diet with between 30 - 50% of calories coming from protein will aid in weight loss and more importantly lead to long term health.
And Now - The Catch...
Now for the warning: Don't over do it.
Excessive protein consumption can be dangerous and lead to severe health problems - specifically bone loss, osteoporosis, and kidney failure.
Additionally, not all proteins are the same.
Some foods that contain large amounts of protein also have more than their share of saturated fat, which should be minimized.
The recommended daily intake of protein is about 0.
4 grams per pound of body weight.
Though active adults should strive for between .
5 - and 1 gram per pound of body fat.
It also may be a good idea to take a calcium supplement if you are eating more than the recommended daily intake of protein.
As always, consult your doctor before beginning taking a supplement or beginning a new diet or exercise program.
Get your free membership to fitnovo.
com today and take advantage of our free workout journal, calorie tracker, and community forums! http://www.
fitnovo.
com
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