The Importance of Protein in Weight-Loss
Many people believe that the trick to losing weight is to significantly cut their daily calories. By doing this not only will you struggle to sustain such a diet but you will be depriving your body of crucial energy and nutrients. We’ve all been there ordered a chicken ceaser whilst dining out because we think it’s the “healthier” choice. It’s important to remember that like everything in life you need balance. Read this blog to learn more about the important role protein plays in weight loss.
Protein offers satiation
Protein is vital in meals for any weight-loss goals as the feeling of satiety suppresses any urge to over-consume foods. High protein meals help to control your appetite and lessen your food consumption. High protein meals should increase satiation and stop that hand from entering the biscuit tin more times than once!
Protein increases TEF (energy output)
TEF stands for Thermic Energy of Food. This simply means the amount of energy you use to burn food after it’s been consumed. Out of the three macronutrients (protein, carbs and fats) protein has a higher thermic effect than fat or carbs. Protein takes more energy to burn foods meaning overall you burn more calories digesting it.
That said, TEF isn’t the missing factor that’s going to mean the difference between losing X amount of pounds compared to Y. (Unfortunately) However it contributes to many other factors that together build sustainable weight-loss results.
Protein is the hardest macronutrient to store as body fat
Each macronutrient is stored differently by the body. The biochemical process that protein would have to undertake to become stored as fat is far different compared to carbohydrates and fats.
Protein helps aid muscle growth and strength
Protein not only helps build muscle but maintain it too! When you consume protein your body will naturally break down the amino acids which it carries. Amino acids are a fundamental role in muscle growth and strength. Their function is to repair and grow new muscle fibers.
What foods are high in protein?
