For many people, weight loss ends up being a lifelong quest that never quite gets fulfilled. Maintaining a healthy weight is a key element to living a disease-free life. Adding whey protein to your diet is an effective way to help cut calories and boost your weight loss efforts. The most common form of whey protein is a powder, available at your grocery store, pharmacy or health food store. Remember to consult your doctor before adding whey protein to your diet plan.
Features
Whey protein contains all of the essential amino acids your body needs for optimum health. An essential amino acid is one that your body is unable to make on its own, and must be supplied by your diet. Whey protein is separated from milk as part of the cheese-making process, and is added to several foods, including canned soups, ice cream, baby formula and health supplements.
Weight Loss
Protein has a higher "thermic effect" than other dietary elements, and as such, will help you lose weight. The thermic effect refers to how much energy in the form of calorie expenditure it takes to process and digest a food. Whey protein will also help to preserve your muscle tissue, which will burn more calories while you are at rest. It also can help to stabilize your blood sugar, which results in less insulin being secreted by your pancreas and less fat storage. Drinking a whey protein shake for breakfast, or as a snack before or after a tough workout will help boost your weight loss efforts.
More Whey Benefits
Aside from helping you to lose weight, whey protein also has other benefits. Whey protein has long been a top choice of athletes for muscle building and enhancing athletic performance. It can also help cancer patients ingest quality nutrients when going through treatment. Chemotherapy can weaken the body and take away appetite. Whey protein is gentle on the stomach and easily absorbed. The blood sugar stabilizing effect of whey protein may benefit people with type 2 diabetes as well.
Convenience
For ease of use and preparation, whey protein is hard to beat. Whey protein powder can be added to frozen fruit, milk, orange juice or water and blended into a shake in minutes. You can also add other health-enhancing components such as aloe vera gel, flaxseed oil or coconut oil. Whey powder can also be added to yogurt, oatmeal, or even in baked goods to give a protein boost.
Considerations
When shopping around for whey protein, focus on whey protein isolate for the more pure form available. Whey protein isolate is up to 90 percent protein, with little fat or carbohydrate. Also, choose a powder that is free of sugar or artificial sweeteners like aspartame. Look for whey protein sweetened with stevia, which is a natural herb. Choosing the healthiest form of whey protein you can find will move you toward you weight loss goals more quickly.
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