Protein in Your Diet

Posted: Feb 24 in Nutrition by Dr. Lazarus

If you are attempting to lose weight, a diet high in protein foods gives your body the amino acids necessary for peak functioning of numerous physiological processes while helping you control your hunger. Although there are some cases where medical conditions make  high protein diets a poor choice, For most of us, high protein diets are ideal for  weight loss. Here’s why:

5 Great Protein Benefits

• Skin, hair, nails, eyes, and ligaments require protein for maintaining vital structural components
• Protein is essential to replenishing and supporting all body tissues
• Proteins provide satiety so high protein foods help you eat less and keep you feeling full for longer.
• Protein powers the enzymes needed to initiate beneficial chemical reactions in the body such as creating hemoglobin in blood and immune system functioning
• A protein-rich diet creates a “thermic effect” in the body which may accelerate  your metabolism and increases the amount of calories your body uses.

10 High Protein Foods

• All types of legumes and beans
• Cheese
• Milk
• Eggs
• Lean poultry and beef
• Fish (especially tuna and salmon)
• Tofu
• Yogurt
• Soy milk
• Peanut butter

Complete and Incomplete Proteins

Protein sources are labeled to offer information regarding the number of essential amino acids they provide. For example, a complete protein source (also called high quality proteins) provides all essential amino acids and includes poultry, eggs, and fish. Incomplete protein foods are low in at least one essential amino acid and include rice and some dry beans. However, incorporating both complete and incomplete proteins in a healthy diet will provide all essential amino acids necessary to fuel metabolism rates and help you lose weight.

Preexisting Conditions

People with diabetes, kidney or liver disease or those taking prescriptions for heart problems who want to lose weight by adopting a protein-rich diet should discuss their plans with a medical weight loss professional before starting such a diet.