Issue 14, March 11, 2006
Protein Power: Why Protein Should be in Every Meal
You probably learned back in elementary school that proteins are "the building blocks of your body" -- a good way to describe them, indeed, as they help to build and repair your muscles, bones, cartilage, skin, hair and blood. Protein does much more than that, though.
It also:
- Synthesizes enzymes and hormones
- Helps your body maintain fluid balance
- Boosts your metabolism
- Keeps your immune system functioning properly
- Regulates many body functions
- Building antibodies to fight infections
- Blood clotting
- Scar formation
This is why it is absolutely essential that you are getting some protein with each and every meal you eat. If you have a tendency to skip meals -- an unhealthy habit for many reasons -- you may be depriving your body of this essential nutrient.
A Healthy-Protein Diet, Not a High-Protein Diet
When we say that you should be eating protein with every meal, this does not mean that we are advocating a high-protein "Atkins-type" diet. Instead, because protein is not stored in your body, you need to eat it regularly throughout the day. Simply avoiding protein all day and then eating a big steak for dinner, for instance, will not supply your body with protein when it needs it.
Active? You Need Even More Protein
If you are a student athlete, or if you exercise often, you will need more protein than the average person. This is because exercise causes protein to be broken down and used for fuel. If you don't replenish your supply, your muscles tissue can break down, which is the last thing a student athlete needs.
Protein Makes Exercise Better
Protein is such an important part of a healthy diet that University of Illinois researchers found it actually makes exercise more effective.
"There's an additive, interactive effect when a protein-rich diet is combined with exercise. The two work together to correct body composition; dieters lose more weight, and they lose fat, not muscle," said Donald Layman, a University of Illinois professor of food science and human nutrition.
Interestingly enough, Layman pointed out that "a higher-carbohydrate, lower-protein diet based on the USDA food guide pyramid actually reduced the effectiveness of exercise."
Protein is Essential for Weight Loss
For those looking to maintain weight loss, Manabu Nakamura, a food science and human nutrition professor at the University of Illinois, says that including protein in every meal is important because it makes you feel full.
"Even snacks should contain protein; choose foods like cheese, protein bars or nuts," he said.
University of Illinois food science and human nutrition student Sandra Sieber, who has expanded a Web site with a team of fellow students to give practical information about healthy eating and weight loss, to college students agreed.
"I found that to be true from personal experience. When I ate protein, I didn't feel hungry again as quickly," Sieber said.
Healthy Ways to Get Your Protein
All protein is not created equal. While meat, eggs, dairy products, fish and poultry are all good sources, choosing organic "clean" varieties will lower your exposure to pesticides and other additives.
Be very wary of protein shakes and bars. Some are very healthy choices, while others are nothing more than high-priced candy bars -- you will have to be a "label checker" to find out. Watch out for high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, sugar and artificial flavors.
STUDENT FORMULA'S Beyond Berry™, a complete whole food protein drink, is an ideal choice in this category because it is rich in proteins, antioxidants, minerals, enzymes, probiotics and virtually every known essential nutrient for your body -- without any additives or GMO ingredients. Go ahead, read the label!
Protein is Also In …
Sure, you can get protein from meats, eggs, cheese, dairy, nuts, seeds and beans (and it's best to get your protein from a wide variety of protein-rich foods). But did you know you can also get protein from these lesser-known, but incredibly healthy, protein-rich foods?
- Mustard greens
- Spinach
- Romaine lettuce
- Crimini mushrooms
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Chard
- Collard Greens
- Cauliflower
- Split Peas
- Kale
- Brussels Sprouts
- Green Peas
- Shitake mushrooms
- Turnip greens
- Green beans
- Cabbage
- Summer squash
- Tomato
Order STUDENT FORMULATM products at your local campus bookstore or visit us online at www.studentformula.com
*Sources:
Discover ACES
U of I Students Update Weight-Loss Website
|
|
TOP 10 Reasons to use
STUDENT FORMULATMnatural health products
1. You're always on the go, but don't want your nutrition and health to suffer.
2. You know you should eat your vegetables, but you can't remember the last time you ate something green.
3. You're stressed, tired and not eating right, and now you feel like your mind is working in slow motion.
4. You can't remember the last time you've had a restful night or a sound night's sleep.
5. Essential fatty acids and Omega-3 are terms you've never heard of, or, if you have, they're completely missing from your diet.
6. Just when you thought you were over the flu, it came back. And then it came back again.
7. Every time you eat, you feel like you've blown up like a balloon.
8. You're a stickler for safety: Unlike some supplements on the market, you can rest assured that STUDENT FORMULATMproducts are safe, proven & effective.
9. You'll only settle for the best: Our team of advisors and manufacturers has been in the natural health industry for over 48 years.
10. You want a name and a product you can trust: At the Nutritional Institute our team has developed over 100 products, and we're the first on the market with a complete product line formulated specifically for college students of all ages.
*****************************************
Sign up today to our newsletter to stay updated on becoming and staying healthy!
|
|
