The world keeps spinning and I’m taking another pause to blog and reflect on some ideas from this week.

I’ve been thinking a lot about my protein intake and whether I’m doing the best I can for myself, and, so that I can present my best self to all of you. So, I dug into my laptop, and I took down some important protein facts/ info that I want you to take into consideration along with me. This information will be invaluable when working your muscle and weight goals into your protein-specific food choices!

So, what better way to see where we are than by having a POP QUIZ!

Which of these do you agree with?

1. Cutting way back on protein is a good way to lose weight.
2. It’s impossible to eat too much protein.
3. Consuming insufficient protein can make it harder to lose weight since the nutrient helps keep you full and your metabolism boosted.
4. If your protein choices are too high in fat, you may be consuming calories in excess, which can lead to weight gain.

“If you agreed with the first two statements, you should stick around for a bit more info. If you agreed with the second two, gotcha’! You should still stick around”

 I took a minute to create this little 5-Point Protein Cycle infographic on how protein is used during the body’s fat-reducing cycle. That’s right, it’s a cycle and it’s a cycle that with the right information, YOU can master too!  Protein consumption helps the following;

Adding protein to a workout routine has become standard in any gym or home workout. If you are seeking good results with more muscles, working out while adding protein is a common-sense move. And I, myself agree 100%. So, let me share an example on why protein is so important and why I want you to reap the rewards of using protein the correct way.

It’s early in the day and you’re feeling fatigued, pulling a high-carb snack from your desk is going to send you in a downward spiral and you’ll be reaching for another snack every hour for the rest of the afternoon. Instead, you decide on something heavier and more fulfilling, so you make it to the lunchroom fridge and choose some cheese, a hardboiled egg, and a cookie.

You sit in the lunchroom and enjoy your snack, even the cookie. There’s no need to worry about those extra calories because of something called the *thermic effect of food (TEF)* in the protein you added, I’ll supply the definition below.

 By choosing the high-protein lunch you’re filling your body with everything it needs to fend hunger off for a longer period. Choosing to have a sweet with your protein-rich lunch acts as a double agent, with the protein stepping up and helping to control and absorption of sugar and carbs essentially eliminating calories in the digestive process. The protein acts as fuel, it burns calories and fat while protecting, repairing, and rebuilding essential muscle mass.

I’ve created a more in-depth video on my YouTube page called; 5 Reasons Why Protein Matters for Weight Loss. So, if I’ve piqued your interest in how we can use everyday protein to slow down binge eating, lower sugar, burn calories, and rebuild/repair muscles then check out the video!

 

*The thermic effect of food (TEF) is the amount of energy it takes for your body to digest, absorb, and metabolize the food you eat. TEF makes up a part of your daily calorie expenditure (calories out), and usually represents about 10% of the caloric intake of healthy adults eating a mixed and balanced diet.

 

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