Monday, January 5, 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.

Protein is not like some other nutrients. It is not produced in our body, so it is important that we consume an adequate amount of protein every day.

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.

When your body's temperature has increased, even in small amounts, what you get is a thermogenic effect that helps the body to burn calories in a more efficient way. This can help you in your quest to lose weight. Those types of food that add the weight can be avoided eating the correct amount of protein. That will also keep you from eating in between meals.

Protein can be used as a replacement for sweets as it is often the case that this is what your body is craving, rather than sweets.

Some examples of quality 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. - 15252

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