Protein and Weight Loss
Protein is extremely important in the process of losing weight. The amount of quality protein in your diet is the single most important calorie that influences your metabolic rate favorably influencing weight loss. A significant body of evidence indicates that protein levels far higher than our government’s suggested levels of intake are optimal for weight loss as long as you simultaneously decrease carbohydrate intake. Increasing your intake of protein can greatly improve your odds of reaching your optimal weight. Quality protein also helps you sustain muscle during weight loss, improve muscle fitness, improve immunity, improve antioxidant function, build HDL cholesterol, and enhance insulin and leptin function – all of which contribute towards optimal weight management efforts over time. Protein is made up of various amino acids. The most important amino acid is leucine. Getting your protein intake high enough, especially proteins rich in leucine, can activate a sluggish metaboli...