Protein for Women

So what is the deal with protein? As a woman, I really don’t want to bulk up like a greasy, dumbbell curling, muscle head, so can I just skip the protein?

This morning I got down and dirty with the real benefits of protein and all I have to say is, ladies don’t skip the protein.  Here is what I learned.

Rev up your metabolism.

Think about it this way, metabolism is the process of breaking down proteins, carbohydrates and fat to yield the energy your body needs to maintain itself. The rate of your metabolism depends on the interaction between the calories you consume and the calories you burn. Thanks to genetics everyone’s metabolic rate is slightly different, but there is no better way to rev up your metabolism than to increase your bodies need for energy.

Your body can burn calories from fat, carbohydrates or protein. Interestingly, the energy needed to metabolize protein is more than double that of fats and carbohydrates. This basically means that eating regular servings of good quality protein will ramp up your metabolism twice as much as eating anything else, meaning greater fat loss when dieting. And let us not forget that the more muscle you have, the more energy your body will expel just to maintain itself. So a little muscle, isn't so bad. 

Muscle Tone.

Speaking of muscle, a diet that restricts calories will atrophy not only fat but muscle as well. The more lean muscle you have, the higher your metabolism and the better your overall body tone will be. If you want to shed only fat and hold onto your lean muscle, remember to consume enough protein for your body to continually restore muscle.

Your Hormones.

Protein stimulates the release of glucagon, which stimulates the liver to release stored carbohydrates from its glycogen stores and from fat. Glucagon also inhibits the release of insulin. By controlling your intake of protein and spreading it throughout the day, you can constantly produce adequate amounts of glucagon and decrease the enzymes responsible for making/storing fat in fat cells and in your liver, which means you'll ultimately get leaner a lot faster.

A Diet High in Protein.

Next time you head to the grocery store, fill your cart with some healthy high protein items like, eggs, cottage cheese, legumes, nuts, yogurt, chicken and yummy seeds.

Sincerely, 

Your Serious Oats Girl - Tara