The Power of Protein

Thanks to its association with added muscle mass, most people don’t think about protein as it pertains to weight loss. They’re afraid it will only add bulk, a fear that can lead to protein deficiency.

Although it’s true that eating too much of any food will likely lead to weight gain, protein plays an important role in helping you burn fat and calories. As with most nutrients, it’s an essential building block of a healthy body. The key is eating a balanced diet that contains the proper amount of everything you need to stay in shape.

Protein supplies you with the components needed to add muscle mass and for lean tissue. This boosts your ability to burn calories before they are stored as fat. It’s also good for diminished hunger levels and helping you avoid unnecessary snacking.

It’s also important to remember that you need only so much protein daily. Beyond that, you’re simply overeating. This is why you should make sure to get your daily allotment from nutritious, healthy sources — instead of a cheeseburger, for example.

When used correctly, protein can be a powerful ally in the fight against fat. For more information about what protein can do for you, see the accompanying infographic.

Author bio: Dr. Myur S. Srikanth is a board-certified bariatric and cosmetic surgeon at the Center for Weight Loss Surgery. He has been performing bariatric surgery exclusively since 2000 and has performed over 3,500 weight loss surgeries. Dr. Srikanth performs nearly every operation that is currently available to treat obesity.

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