Protein consumption creates a process in the body known as thermogenesis, which requires the body to use more calories to digest food, making weight loss much easier. Protein is a vital part of your diet, because as you pump iron, protein repairs the tiny tears that strength training creates in your muscles. This way, you get to grow bigger muscles faster. To maximize your gains of protein intake, you have to include it in all your diets, and not just at dinner. A Texas study found that muscle protein synthesis was 25% greater when people ate about 30 grams of protein per meal throughout the day, compared to those who ate less grams of protein at breakfast and lunch and more protein at dinner.Here are some easy ways to get more protein in your diet.
1. Prep hard-boiled eggs
Hard boiled eggs have been shown to be more beneficial to the health compared to when it is not boiled hard enough. They are a rich source of monounsaturated (MUFAs) and polysaturated fats (PUFAs). They also contain high protein and benefit the eye health, improve bones, and also burn calories. Prepare your eggs in advance and keep them in the fridge; you can add a couple of them to your salad or to your sandwich to increase your protein intake.
2. Go nuts with granola
Granola is not just that crunchy delicious meal, but has also been shown to deliver impressive numbers in fiber and iron. It contains healthy fats, which come from the nuts, seeds and oils it contains. It also helps in digestion, weight loss, lowering cholesterol levels, energy boost, and cancer prevention. It also supplies vitamins and is a good source of minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium.
Add ¼ cup (or more) of nuts like peanuts or almonds to your serving, to help boost your favorite granola.
3. Treat yourself with yogurt
You may never be able to replace feeling you get from ice-cream with yogurt, but it does worth the replacement. You can satisfy your cravings with yogurt for dessert. By eating yogurt, you will get a dose of animal protein and several other nutrients, including: calcium, vitamin B-2, vitamin B-12, potassium, and magnesium. To get more protein from your yogurt, you can add ricotta, honey, walnuts, and berries.
Regular intake of protein will help promote weight loss and also improve overall health.
Image courtesy of: pixabay.com, incredibleegg.org, fussfreecooking.com, nbcnews.com.