Thursday, January 1, 2009

Weight Loss and Quality Protein

By Ricardo d Argence

Protein is a key factor in the body where it is used in very large quantities. It is called a macronutrient and provides about 4 calories a gram to the body for its health. It is vital for the formation of the body's building blocks. The body uses dietary protein to do many things including growing and maintaining the skin, immune system, eyes and muscles. It's also useful for the body to make enzymes and maintain the health of the blood.

Unlike some other nutrients, our bodies do not produce any protein so it is vital that we take in enough protein on a daily basis.

Any hope of building and maintaining strong muscles hinges upon sufficient protein in the diet. The more muscle mass you produce the more effectively your body burns fat also. Considering that your heart is a muscle, it can easily be negatively affected by a low or no protein diet.

Consuming some kind of protein with each meal leaves you more satisfied in between meals and helps control not only your appetite but also your cravings for certain foods you should not have. Protein takes more energy to digest than other nutrients. In the process of your body digesting protein, it winds up increasing the body's temperature by a few degrees.

These few degrees increase produces a thermogenic effect that in turn helps to burn fat calories more effectively. This can help you in your quest to lose weight. Also eating the correct amount of protein can keep you from eating in between meals and those types of food that add the weight on. Often times, it is found when you are craving sweets that you actually need protein, and if you eat the protein instead of the sweets the craving for the sweets goes away.

Quality protein is lean protein with low fat content. Certain proteins are high in fat and should only be consumed in moderation.

Possible sources of this protein are:

Tuna, Salmon, in fact all kinds of fish are great sources for lean protein as long as they are grilled, broiled, or baked. Low-fat cottage cheese is not great protein but also a source of dairy for your daily needs. Lean red meat consumed in moderation is a great source of quality protein. It also is great for the health of your blood.

Another ones are: skinless chicken breasts are much lower in fat than the dark meat on chicken. The skin with its high fat content should never be consumed. Tuna, Salmon, in fact all kinds of fish are great sources for lean protein as long as they are grilled, broiled, or baked. Avoid heavy breaded fried fish. Skinless turkey breasts are basically similar to the chicken mentioned here. - 16083

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