The Importance of Protein in our Diets
Protein, fat, and carbohydrates are essential for our well-being. With protein, however, our body doesn’t store it, unlike the other two. We need protein every day and here is why.
There are three types of amino acids in our body:
- Essential
- Non-essential
- Conditionally essential
Your body needs 20 different amino acids to grow and function properly. All 20 of these are important for your health. (Nine of these amino acids are classified as essential). Essential amino acids help to keep our body healthy by making new cells, enzymes and various hormones. This helps us to build muscle and lose weight. Non-essential and conditional amino acids are made by the body as needed. Essential acids cannot be produced by our body and has to come from protein in our food.
Building Muscle with Protein
During exercise, protein in the muscle cells becomes damaged. During the post-workout recovery phase, we have what is referred to as protein breakdown. Damaged cells are purged from the muscles and replaced with new ones to help rebuild the muscle mass. More calories are needed to support more muscle, and as a result, metabolism is sped up. Now your body ends up burning more calories than before, even while resting or sleeping. A lot of diet plans focus on controlling carbs to help lose weight.
How can protein help with diets?
- It keeps you feeling fuller longer, which means there’s less of a tendency to snack between meals. Less snacking (especially on sugary unhealthy items) means that fewer calories are consumed.
- Protein is harder for the body to break down compared to fat or carbs, which means that your body uses extra calories to break it down.
How Much Protein Should You Eat?
On average, about 7 or 8 grams of protein from meats, dairy, eggs, tofu, and legumes per 20 pounds of body weight is required each day for optimal body performance.
In summary, a daily intake of protein is important for many reasons, including:
- Balancing out your enzymes and hormones.
- Building new cells for hair and nails.
- Building muscle.
- Reducing calorie intake.
If you are in the greater Philly area and have been struggling with weight loss, call our office and ask about Dr. Fisher’s Medical Weight Loss Program. We offer a non-surgical approach to weight loss. The program includes our EZDietPlanner app. as well as supplements and injections such as HCG to help speed up the removal of fat in your body. In a recent blog post, Dr. Fisher warns about the dangers of products targeting people who want to lose weight fast. Read post here.
About Dr. Fisher’s Medical Weight Loss & Aesthetic Centers
Our medical providers are the heart of our clinic. They take the time to hear your concerns and treat you as a person — not a diagnosis. Our physicians have diverse backgrounds/specialties and are dedicated to providing the most up-to-date, high-quality medicine you’ll find anywhere. Take a moment to learn more about our medical team. To schedule a Free Consultation at one of our 4 weight loss centers, give us a call or use our online scheduler. At Dr. Fisher’s Medical Weight Loss & Aesthetic Centers, Philadelphia’s leading center for losing weight and looking great, we understand the frustrations associated with failed attempts to shed those unwanted pounds and offer a safe, medical solution that is proven to work!
- Dr. Fisher’s Medical Weight Loss Centers Locations: Feasterville, South Philly, North Philly, and City Line Ave
- Dr. Jon Fisher’s Aesthetic Centers in Philadelphia, near the Main Line and Bucks County, employ licensed skin care specialists who’ve made a career helping people find the very best anti-aging solutions.
