Tuesday, January 6, 2009

How to Lose Weight Eating 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.

If you eat protein in every meal is a way to prevent cravings for certain foods you should not have. That's because it will leave you more satisfied. Protein takes more energy to digest than other nutrients. During the process of protein digestion, body temperature is raised by a few degrees.

This small increase in temperature results in a thermogenic effect that helps the body to more efficiently burn fat calories. This can help you in your quest to lose weight. In addition, by eating the proper amount of protein, it will be easier to refrain from snacking between meals and easier to avoid unhealthy foods that will make you gain weight.

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:

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.

You can also try with: 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. - 15784

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