Power Up with Protein: Get the Benefits without the Misery
If you’re looking to lose weight and get in shape, you've probably heard of the new viral trend: eating more protein for weight loss.

What even is protein? Why do we need it?
Protein is found throughout the body: muscle, bone, skin, hair, and almost every other body part or tissue. Protein makes up the enzymes that power many necessary reactions in your body. At least 10,000 different proteins make you what you are and keep you that way.
Protein is made from twenty-plus basic building blocks called amino acids. Because we don’t store amino acids, our bodies make them in two different ways: either from scratch, or by modifying others. Nine amino acids—histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine—known as the essential amino acids, must come from food.

How does protein help us lose weight? Protein is considered the most effective macronutrient providing a filling or satiating effect. Protein is essential for healthy weight loss and maintaining muscle mass, so you want to make sure you’re getting enough of it. If you're anything like me, you might feel a bit miserable eating uncanny amounts of chicken breast or steak, so I've come up with my favorite tips for how to eat more protein for weight loss:
Start your day with a protein-rich breakfast. Try adding some Greek yogurt, nuts, eggs, or a protein smoothie to your morning meal. This will help keep you fuller longer, so you’re less likely to snack on unhealthy foods during the day.
Include lean proteins in your lunch and dinner. Lean proteins, such as chicken, turkey, fish, and beans, are great sources of protein. Add these proteins to a salad, over rice or your favorite grain for a grain bowl (with veggies of course), or even make at home sushi bowls with your favorite salmon (canned is great, too), or make an adult lunchable with your favorite crackers, cheese, and veggies.
Add some protein to snacks. Instead of snacking on sugary treats or chips, try adding a scoop of protein powder to your snack. You can also find healthy protein bars that are low in calories and high in protein. Some of my favorite protein bars are: Barebells and Power Crunch! My favorite protein powder: BiPro (suitable for lactose intolerance)
Make protein-rich shakes and smoothies. Protein shakes and smoothies are an easy way to get more protein in your diet. Try adding some Greek yogurt, nut butter, or a scoop of protein powder to your shake or smoothie for an extra boost.
By following these tips, you can easily add more protein to your diet and help support your weight loss goals. Eating enough protein will help keep you fuller longer, build muscle, and boost your metabolism. So don’t forget to add a little more protein to your day!
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