Up Your Protein Intake and Benefit
By Brandi Goodman
Protein is essential to the body. It's responsible for creating new cells and repairing tissues. It's known as the essential building block of many components of the body, such as the bones, blood, skin, and more. Your body needs a large amount of protein if it's going to function adequately. Upping your intake can bring major benefits to your health.
Weight Loss
The more protein you get in your diet, the more full you will feel. You will also have a better ability to burn fat. This leads to weight loss. Too many people try to follow a high protein, low carb diet, which is ill-advised; this leads to ketosis that can be harmful to the body after a while. Eat more protein but feel free to eat good carbs and other essential food groups as well. You also shouldn't go overboard. Too much protein can lead to a calcium deficit.
Increased Muscle Mass
Because muscles need protein to function well and increase in strength, people who get more protein in their diet can increase their muscle mass easier. You still have to exercise, of course, but the results will be greater with a diet rich in protein than if you do it without. Focusing on resistance workouts that use resistance or weight to tone the muscles is best. A resistance band or dumbbells work wonders.
The Best Types of Protein
Not all proteins are made the same. You need to find the best types if you want to experience all the benefits. You can get protein from processed meats, but that doesn't mean you should. Hot dogs and deli meats can increase your chances of developing cardiovascular disease. Instead, you should find true meat sources, such as chicken and turkey, as well as fish, for healthy protein intake.
Nuts, whole grains, and beans are also excellent sources. Don't just drink protein shakes, either. Find meal replacement shakes, such as what is offered by Weight Watchers, that boast a number of beneficial ingredients. They provide plenty of protein but also vitamins and nutrients.
Protein is necessary for the body yet many people do not get enough of it each day. Maintaining a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats is the best solution for keeping the body satisfied with enough protein and other nutrients. You will benefit greatly from this healthy lifestyle change.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Cary, N.C.