Are you getting enough? I’m talking about protein here!
Most women simply do not consume enough protein in a day. Here’s why:
- It’s not exactly the most convenient thing to “snack” on – when’s the last time you heard your BFF say, “God, I’m just craving 4 oz of a juicy tenderloin steak!” ? – Nope – but this might sound familiar, “I simply need some chocolate (or chips, or both)!”
- It takes work to prepare – you have to turn on the oven or BBQ and actually cook it which if you live alone or are short on time can be too time-consuming. Eating cereal for dinner is a lot easier, right?
- You believe the myths that eating protein will make you “bulky” (so NOT true).
- You hate eggs and don’t feel like having meat for breakfast (or lunch).
Protein is one of the three macronutrients we need to eat every day and are an incredibly important part of our diet – and by diet, I mean the foods that we need to consume to be healthy.
Protein is made up of twenty different amino acids. Amino acids are considered the building blocks of the body and are essential for many body functions: tissue growth and repair (ie. muscles, tendons, and organs), making enzymes, neurotransmitters and hormones and many other important things.
Of these twenty different amino acids, nine are “essential” meaning our bodies cannot create them and we have to get them from the food we eat!
But the real thing I know you’re dying to understand is how not getting enough protein is affecting your weight loss goals!! Ok…here it goes:
Although protein has the same number of calories per gram as carbohydrates (4 cal/gm) it takes longer to break down and digest which means you’re able to stay fuller longer. In contrast carbs break down the minute we start chewing them and can lead to those sugar highs and crashes we know so well.
When you eat protein you more easily get the feeling of satiety – of actually feeling full, whereas with carbs you can eat a box of crackers and then still want more.
If you’re constantly hungry throughout the day, chances are you’re not getting enough protein at every meal. To find out if you’re protein deficient, answer these questions:
- Did I eat protein at breakfast?
- Did I have any protein as a snack?
- Did I consume protein at lunch?
- Did I eat any protein between lunch and dinner?
- Did I have protein with my dinner?
If you answered “No” to more than three out of five questions you are most likely not getting enough protein!
A lot of women I work with tend to only get their protein in at dinner but eat way more carbs than their bodies can handle during the day. When you start to spread out your protein consumption you’ll notice an immediate effect on your energy level during the day (better!) and will most likely not get cravings at night. It’s worth the effort don’t you think?
I know the next question is going to be, “Well, how much is enough?” Stay tuned because I’ll be answering that in next week’s video along with one of my favorite protein bar recipes!
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