 | Cathy Lloyd is an RN/RT who has worked in the field of nutrition and healthcare for 29 years. Cathy is the owner / operator of Piece Of Cake Nutrition along with her husband Kevin Lloyd located at 512 N. Broadway, Pittsburg KS, 66762. Piece Of Cake Nutrition specializes in helping people meet their overall health goals. They hold monthly weight loss challenges, daily exercise classes, and provide healthy treats, smoothies, shakes, and supplements. Everyone who walks through the door gets a free health evaluation. For more information or to schedule an appointment call 620-687-3924 or e-mail kevncat2005@gmail.com |
Health & Wellness
2012-03-26 16:44:20
Protein…our body’s most important component? series - part 3
Q: You hear so much about protein as it relates to building muscle, recover, etc. Now you hear of all these protein diets. Is this a fad or is protein really THAT important?
A: Over the last two issues, we have thoroughly discussed the importance of protein and its role within our bodies. We will wrap up this series discussing how protein can increase metabolism and burn fat…
Protein will increase your rate of metabolism because it increases thermogenisis. Thermogenisis is the process your body goes through in digesting and using the food you eat and the burning of the calories and fat from that food. It is basically producing the energy from the food you eat. Because it takes more calories to process protein rich foods, it increases the rate of your metabolism.
You will also boost and keep your metabolism boosted by eating more protein rich foods because it maintains your muscle mass. The more muscle mass you have the higher your metabolism and the more fat you burn.
You need to understand that muscle tissue needs protein to maintain itself. When your body doesn’t get enough protein, one of the first places it will go to get it is from your very own muscle tissue. Also, if you don’t eat enough calories nor get enough of the proper nutrition including protein, your body will go into starvation mode. It will hang onto what fat it has as long as it can and will begin to burn protein found in your own muscle mass. Therefore, eating less isn’t the best way to go. One of the most important muscles in your body is your heart. You don’t want that messed with or damaged do you? Think about it…
The result usually is when you cut too many calories and nutrition and muscle mass is taken away, your metabolism is lowered. Then, when you eat more calories you put on weight much quicker. This is called the yo-yo effect.
Protein is an essential ingredient to a more healthy diet whether you want to lose, gain or just get into better shape. Everyone has different protein needs based on their height and weight and what their goals are. If your body is fed the right amount of key ingredients, it will do what it needs to get where it’s supposed to be. Your protein needs will vary as you lose weight, gain weight or begin to exercise. Your caloric needs will vary as well. Every body is different so it’s essential to sit down and have your needs mapped out to reach your own health goals. It doesn’t take long and it is essential to your road to good health.
