Why Protein?

We often read : "When you're trying to lose some weight through diet and exercise, PROTEIN is a key to weight loss." But do we really know what it does and why it is so important in our weight loss program?

Guys, I always believe that inorder for us to understand everything we always have to go back to the basics...now, let me share some of what i have learned ... What is PROTEIN? "Protein is an important component of every cell in the body. It is an organic compound , composed of 22 amino acids, known as the BUILDING BLOCKS. It is stored in muscles and organs and the body utilizes it to BUILD and REPAIR TISSUES. Along with fat and carbohydrates, protein is a macronutrient, meaning the body needs relatively large amounts of it. And that a lack of protein can cause loss of muscle mass and decreased immunity . So, how can we protect our muscle tissue? Provide our body with enough protein!"

So, how does PROTEIN affects your weight ? Accdg . to Dr. Heber, M.D.,Ph.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.N. Director of the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition , PROTEIN contributes to the body's ability to burn fats, because as you eat more protein, your metabolism is raised thus enabling your body to burn stored fats rather than storing more fats .That by eating more protein rich foods, you will maintain muscle mass and more muscle mass means you will : raise your metabolism and burn more fat . And that your muscle tissue needs protein to maintain itself and when your body does not get enough protein, one of the first places it will get protein is from your muscle tissue.

That when we eat or snack on protein instead of sugars and fats, the body feels more full which helps control appetite between meals, thus cutting calories and controlling your weight.

Do you know what one of the best sources of protein is ? Many people say beef or meat in general. These are great sources of protein ; however are you aware that one of the best sources of protein is SOY PROTEIN ? Ah, nothing can beat the health benefits of soy !! In October 1999,FDA authorized the use of health claim on food labels - " Heart Smart " symbol which means - " Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 25 grams of soy protein a day may reduce the risk of heart disease."

Aida A.

http://www.abaslimmall.com ; http://www.abaslim.com

Focusing more on Health

Are you someone who is interested to lose weight and keep it OFF for life and be healthy ? I hold Nutrition classes and Weight loss Challenges . I share information about Health and Nutrition e.g. protein, water, good carbs, etc.; how to improve eating habits and live a healthier lifestyle.

I strongly agree with the idea that IF nutrition was better understood and the importance of prevention is well emphasized, we may all be healthy... so that let me encouraged everyone to join me in sharing information that may hep others to have a broader perspective on HEALTH, that includes a PROPER UNDERSTANDING of GOOD NUTRITION!

Obesity has become an epidemic problem and one of the recommendations is to provide information...this is my way of helping ,to share information and /or(samples) for FREE to help you achieve and maximize your weight loss goals.

So, for those who are interested, just join my list of readers or send me a message @ myspace or email me : aidalnsb07@yahoo.com To many, I am with them on their journey to achieving their goal to lose weight and BE HEALTHY!

Aida

The older I get...seems the harder it is to maintain or lose weight?

Are you one of the many who wondered why the older we get the harder it is to maintain weight, let alone lose it?

OR are you someone that work-out everyday, eat low-fat foods...and still can't get those extra pounds OFF ?

And you also noticed that your cravings for fats and sweets increased, gets tired easily and have more physical problems?

Guys, consider this : "Our body absorbs nutrients in the digestive tract which is lined with tiny fibers called VILLI . It reaches out and grabs onto the nutrition which allows it to be ABSORBED quickly and efficiently into the body. However, overtime and as we get older, it gets damaged as caused by stress, alcohol, medications, fatty foods, smoke,etc. so that as our villi continue to become damaged, it becomes increasingly difficult for our body to absorb nutrients. IT CAN NOT ABSORB THE NUTRITION PROPERLY !"

So what happens?" Your appetite increases as do your cravings ( part. fats and sugars because they are the easiest substances for your body to absorb ) because your body needs more nutrients. You become fatigued because your body is not getting enough nutrition because of poor absorption. Guys, no matter how much good food and vitamins you take, IF your body is not absorbing them, it's a total waste!"

Thus, it is important for us to have a healthy digestive system to help increase our metabolism and burn fats making it easier to lose weight, improve the absorption of nutrients and help prevent many diseases.


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Skipping a meal? Think twice!

Many are asking , "I am trying to lose weight...is it alright to fast or skip a meal?" Personally, I do not like the idea of skipping a meal or fasting. On the contrary I strongly believe that we should at least eat 3-4 hrs in between meals.

WHY? Because when you do not give your body enough food or nutrients , you are actually slowing down your metabolism and thus slowing down your body's ability to burn fats. As the saying goes: increased metabolism , increased burning of fats and calories, leading to weight loss.

Furthermore, I learned that , "...when we do not receive all of the nutrients we need on a regular basis, our body feels we maybe at risk for survival and goes into survival mode . In survival mode , our body lives in a constant state of fear and experiences increased stress on our bodily systems. At this point, it is not sure if we are at risk or if we will get what we need to survive. It responds, as if in emergency status, by conserving energy, slowing metabolism, retaining water, STORING BODY FAT." Simply put , it will hang on to what its got... now guys, what do you have in there? stored fats! So the more it will hang on to your stored fats instead of burning those body fats!!

p.s. for more info, pls. email aidalnsb07@yahoo.com

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Weightloss tips: Is food your enemy?

Hi Guys,

Truth is , we need to eat calories to burn calories! How's that? " When we do not eat enough calories to sustain our body's daily functions, our body panics and thinks there is no food available and thus slows down our metabolism. It thus ABSORBS MORE of the foods we eat instead of using that same food for ENERGY. But when we eat regularly, our metabolism speeds up and use those calories instead of saving them."

So knowing this, let me share with you some of the ways I've learned to ensure your metabolism functions at the optimum :

- Eat Breakfast. Skipping this meal will slow down your metabolism.

- Eat healthy foods. Foods that are with high nutritional values, have protein like egg whites, soy milk, lean meat, fish ; 7-9 servings of fruits and veggies,etc.

- Eat according to your activities. During hectic physical day, its best to eat breakfast and lunch well so you have sufficient energy and in the evening when you are ready to relax, lighten up on dinner.

- Snack frequently at least 4-6 hrs. Fruits and veggies are recommended in between meals so you'll not get hungry.

- Drink water. Drink half your body weight in ounces of water.

- And remember, do exercise and have 8 hrs. of sleep.

Guys, there is no short cut to losing weight. It takes EFFORT, DISCIPLINE and PATIENCE! You did not gain your weight overnight, did you?

For more info, pls. contact : aidalnsb07@yahoo.com