Let’s discuss the many ways that protein supports your weight loss goals.
Protein is the single most important nutrient when it comes to weight loss and gaining muscle. A high protein intake boosts metabolism, reduces appetite, and changes several weight regulating hormones.
Plus, protein can help with losing body fat, and it works by several different mechanisms.
Here are the many ways that increased protein supports your weight/fat loss goals:
PROTEIN IS SATIATING
Try it, eat a pasta dish without added protein and see how hungry you are a couple hours later compared to eating the same pasta dish with a big serving of protein with it! It fills you up for longer, which means you tend to eat less – win for weight loss!
PROTEIN STABILIZES BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS
Since protein is slower to digest in the body, eating it at the same time you eat carbohydrates will slow down the release of the sugars from those carbs into the bloodstream, thereby reducing blood sugar spikes and subsequent lows. Balanced blood sugar levels = less hunger and cravings + more energy.
PROTEIN IS MORE THERMOGENIC
More so than carbs and fats. This means it requires more heat in the body to break down and utilize it – which increases metabolism.This is why you often see weight loss diets that are high in protein.
SPARES MUSCLE BREAKDOWN
Protein helps with repair and recovery of muscle breakdown from your workouts (both endurance and resistance exercise). It helps to build new muscle tissue – and muscle burns more calories while at rest – bonus! And it helps reduce muscle breakdown when you’re on a reduced calorie diet for weight loss.
This is why protein is an important part of a balanced and healthy diet. Not getting enough protein can lead to other health issues. It plays an important role in the creation and maintenance of every cell in your body.
If you’ve been struggling with getting enough protein for your body, here’s how we can help you get started:
1) Free consultation – no commitment, 30 min in-person or online session to establish your ‘Nutrition Project Design’, walk away with clarity on your goals and have ideas on how to achieve them.
2) Lunchbox Nutrition Game – monthly nutrition challenges help you build the habits and skills to master the key fundamentals that’ll support your long-term goals (eating enough protein, meal prepping) all while having a little fun doing it! We even teach you how to personalize your own macro profile. Crazy value at only $200 and no commitment. Try it out for a month & if it’s not for you, cancel and keep all the goodies.
3) Nutrition Coaching, semi-private or 1:1 – when personalized accountability and support is really what you need to keep showing up every week. Book your free consult if you’d like to chat more about nutrition coaching.
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