Being on the paleo diet, navigating through my website, and the internet, you must be aware by now that what you put into your body is extremely important. It becomes a lifestyle, and being more cautious about what you are eating is simply a way of life. If you are like me, you must be realizing how much better you feel every day whether during exercise or when going about daily business as a result of eating clean. One of the important topics I want to go over with you all is the necessity of proteins in your diet. We need protein to build lean body mass, which will help us fight disease, maintain a healthy weight, and curb hunger. Proteins are the body’s building blocks and are imperative in our diet.
If you live an active life or are into weight loss and fitness, you must have seen the fad that surrounds the subject of protein use. Gym goers are preparing their protein shakes, and loading their plates with lots of meat. The knowledge that proteins pair well with exercise is there, but the type of protein also matters. To have just worked out, and eat a fast-food triple-decker burger and consider it “protein” for the day would be doing your body a disservice.
It is not about the importance of consuming just any protein, but you also need to think about what proteins you want in your body when following paleo meal plans. Being aware of your protein intake will also help with your weight loss journey and desire for clean eating. Oftentimes, meat is what comes to one’s mind when thinking of protein. However, research has shown that processed meats can have negative effects on health. Eating poultry, fish, beans, nuts, and whole grains is a much better way to get the needed proteins.
You may have heard proteins referred to before as a “macronutrient”. Being that is one of the macronutrients means that our body needs large amounts of it. By consuming low protein, it essentially leads to the lessening of one’s lean mass. Doing this harms internal repairs as well as the ability of the body to keep internal organs, tendons, and ligaments vibrant and healthy. These ill-effects are not able to be seen, yet they likely will kick you in the butt as you age. It will make you wish you had eaten and lived a different lifestyle, without the stigma that society places on being skinny and “picture perfect”.
When you complete a workout, you are essentially breaking down and creating tears in your muscles that will eventually adapt to the change and grow. With that in mind, it is the proteins you eat that aid in the rebuilding of muscle. In order to reap the benefits of weight loss and increase in lean mass, you will want to choose proteins with low fat. The negative effects from the high-fat protein can raise cholesterol and lead to the risk of heart disease. This is where you would want to opt for something more like chicken breasts and beans.
If I have any vegan or vegetarian foodies on here, you must know how important it is to be sure you are getting the right amount of protein while not consuming any meat. There are a total of 9 essential amino acids that are necessary for a diet, and by varying your protein sources, you can be sure to gain them all.
To gain some more information, you can check out one of my books on how to curb cravings, feel good and get lean! If you are looking for some new recipes to give a try, check out some from my website. On the topic of protein, you have to try my paleo red velvet protein bars. They never disappoint my family and are sure to give you that extra boost.
Refs:
https://www.piedmont.org/living-better/why-is-protein-important-in-your-diet
https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-eating-lean-proteins-6083.html
If you have any questions or suggestions just email me at Tina (at) Paleomazing.com.
I'm a cookbook-collecting, recipe-developing paleo junkie, and I live in the kitchen. I'm hooked on farmers' markets, traveling, eating healthy, and hiking until my legs scream at me. There's nothing better than hanging out with family and good friends. I have fun and sleeping is just plain boring. Read more About Tina Turbin.
