Are You Getting Enough Protein?

 We talked about the benefit of drinking enough water a few articles ago. Another very important factor in helping us lose and maintain our weight is a balance of protein and carbohydrates.
Do you feel as if you’re eating low fat, but just can’t seem to shed the extra pounds?
Consuming too many carbohydrates with little protein at a meal or snack may be the culprit. When we eat a meal or snack that is high in carbohydrates, our blood sugars raise fairly high and fast. Insulin is then released from the pancreas to lower the high blood sugar levels. High levels of insulin can then cause low blood sugar. The resulting low blood sugar levels can generate feelings of sleepiness and fatigue.  Most of us have experienced this after eating a large carbohydrate meal like pasta.
The way our bodies compensate for this “low” feeling is by craving another carbohydrate to give us another lift. We never feel satisfied for very long after a high carbohydrate meal or snack. (i.e.- snacking on fat-free pretzels or crackers)
Have you ever experienced this after eating just a piece of toast and a fruit or a fruit and bagel for breakfast? You’re probably starving an hour later. Another reason why we need to control our levels of insulin is not only does eating too many carbs make us crave more carbohydrates, we will store the excess carbohydrates as fat if we do not burn enough calories through continuous physical activity. This yo-yo effect can aid in weight gain and in inability to lose weight.
A balanced meal of protein and carbohydrates will enter the bloodstream slowly, keeping the blood sugar stable and controlling the levels of insulin released. It will also improve access to your stored body fat and to use it as energy thus helping you lose weight.  When choosing protein foods make sure that they are high in protein and low in fat.
Some good choices are turkey, chicken without the skin, and fish. Lean red meat is also good but have it only a few times a week. Eggs and beans and low fat dairy are also good choices. When choosing dairy go for skim milk, low fat yogurt, low fat cottage cheese and part skim cheese.  Nuts are a good source of protein but make sure you count the calories when choosing them.
Remember there are medical professionals that can guide you in making the best choices for your healthy weight loss and maintenance. Your questions can be answered and the best choices made for your specific needs.
For more information and a free consultation, please contact Etcetera Medical at 661-259-8884.