Why is protein so important?

Protein is the most important nutritional element for molding your body into the shape you desire. And, it’s the backbone of every meal you eat.

Proteins repair and rebuild muscle tissues, grow hair and nails, create enzymes and hormones, and maintain the health of internal organs and blood.

Your body also needs protein to break down fat. Just as water provides transport, so does protein. Together, protein and water are extremely important for transporting fat for weight loss. In order for fat cells to open their doors and let the fat out to be burned as fuel, protein and water must be handy.

Specifically protein consists of 22 amino acids. Eight are “essential,” meaning that your body cannot manufacture them sufficiently or at all. It has to get them from the foods you eat. The others can be made by your body but are also found in food.

How does protein help you lose weight?

Protein supports weight loss because it causes you to feel full, making it much easier to leave the table. This is partly due to how much effort it takes your body to break down and utilize protein. It is work (and work means energy) for your body to divide proteins into amino acids that are absorbed and transported by the blood to cells for use. So the mere act of breaking down protein is burning calories and keeping your blood sugar stabilized in the process. Foods high in protein also help you feel full because they usually contain fat as well. The combination of fat and protein can keep you less hungry between meals.

How much protein do you need?

To ensure that your blood sugar levels remain stable throughout the day, have a source of lean protein at every meal. As a general rule, try to eat 0.75 g of protein per pound of your body weight. The right portion of protein will be about the size of a deck of cards or the palm of your hand. Your protein needs will vary based on your size and Your activity level. So, if you still feel hungry at the end of your meal, increase your protein portion by a few ounces.

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