Like many people you may track how many calories you are eating, but are you are aware of how much protein you are getting in your diet?
Protein is an essential macronutrient, meaning our body requires it to stay healthy. Protein plays a role in the creation and maintenance of all the cells in our bodies. Protein also fuels our cells so we have enough energy to stay active throughout the day. Protein has many other important functions in our bodies such as building & maintaining muscle mass, keeping blood sugars stable, building cartilage & skin, regulating hormones and maintaining hunger to name a few.
See below for 4 reasons why you should include more protein in your diet starting today!
- Reduce Appetite/Hunger: Protein is the most filling of all three macronutrients (carbs, fat, protein) & it reduces the level of ghrelin, our hunger hormone, as well as boosts levels of peptide YY, what makes us feel full, in our bodies.
- Increase Muscle Mass/Strength: High levels of protein helps our bodies build & maintain muscle, especially during a time of weight loss. Protein is the primary maker of muscle.
- Boosts Metabolism: Protein has a higher thermic effect than carbs & fats. This means our body uses more calories to digest and use nutrients from protein. This helps increase metabolism & burn more calories throughout the day.
- Repairs Body Injuries: Protein is the building block of tissues, muscles and organs. Eating significant amounts of protein can aid recovery after an injury.
As you can see from above, along with many other reasons not listed here, protein is essential for our bodies. Protein has numerous benefits when it comes to aiding in weight loss and maintaining muscle size and strength as well as an overall healthy body!
Contact us today at Genesis Personal Fitness to ensure you are meeting your protein & dietary needs.
