With the epidemic in obesity and Type II diabetes, people have started cutting calories to get to their optimal weight. Many dieters often give up their efforts because they hit a plateau and can’t seem to lose any more weight. Others give up because they feel constantly tired or hungry. A diet rich in protein gives a person energy to help him or her avoid getting stuck in their weight loss efforts.

 
Here are my ten reasons to focus on protein instead of calories when you are trying to lose weight and stay fit:

Protein rich diets raise the body’s metabolism.  A recent study published in in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) provides some insight into the reasons these people run into weight loss plateaus and feel constantly hungry. When people focus solely on calories, the body goes into “starvation mode,” where the metabolism slows so it requires fewer calories to maintain weight. Diets rich in protein raise a person’s metabolism so they actually burn 300 or more calories per day more than someone who just cut calories.

Protein based diets assist people by leaving them feeling energized.  This same study found that low glycemic diet regimes, which keeps a person’s blood sugar steady and are rich in protein, actually increase the body’s rate of metabolism so people on these diets lose weight more quickly without feeling tired and listless.  EnergyFirst Protein shakes are a quick and easy way to get a protein rich breakfast to give people the energy they need to get through their day.

Protein rich diets increase lean muscle mass.  Protein supplies the body with the essential amino acids that build the structure of muscle cells. Lean muscle burns calories more quickly than other tissues in the body. Additionally, people who build lean muscle mass are less likely to gain weight than people who lose weight without gaining muscle mass.

Protein rich diets do not leave the dieter feeling constantly hungry.  When people reduce calories without monitoring their carbohydrate intake, they increase the risk of swings in blood glucose levels, which can trigger feelings of hunger and cravings for sugar.

Diets rich in protein are more satisfying than those solely based on calorie count.  Many times when people cut back on calories, they have to reduce the portion size so much they feel like they are depriving themselves. Since diets rich in protein take longer to digest, most people find them more satisfying.  

Protein rich diets improve the functioning of the immune system.  Protein provides the building blocks for the antibodies in the body that protect it from illnesses and infections.  Whey Protein Isolate in particular is the best ways to stimulate production of glutathione, one of the most powerful known antioxidants.  

Diets rich in protein help the muscles recover from intense workouts.  Since protein contains leucine, a nutrient important in the creation and maintenance of muscle cells, the body quickly repairs any muscle cells damaged during an intense workout.

Diets rich in protein help people look and feel younger.  The amino acids contained in protein also serve as the building blocks for hair and skin. Diets with a high level of protein provide the body with the nutrients it needs to repair damage to hair and skin cells. This helps people’s skin and hair stay healthy so they look and feel younger.

Protein rich diets can help people avoid dehydration.  Protein also helps regulate the amount of fluid in a person’s body to reduce the likelihood of dehydration.

Protein shakes and bars make it easy for people to get the protein they need when they are on the run.  Many people find it difficult to find low calorie foods when they live hectic lifestyles. Protein bars provide a delicious and convenient way to get the protein the body needs wherever and whenever a person needs to eat.

Boost your protein intake today to break through that plateau and start living your best life!