The Power Of Protein- Guest Post
Check out this great guest post from Dr. Myur S. Srikanth, a board-certified bariatric and cosmetic surgeon at the Center for Weight Loss Surgery, discussing the benefits of protein as part of a healthy eating lifestyle as well as their fantastic infographic showing some of the myths and facts surrounding protein intake.
Though some people think protein is just for gaining muscle mass, it’s a crucial component in maintaining a healthy body composition. It is considered a macronutrient, along with fats and carbohydrates, which the body needs on a daily basis to function properly. These macronutrients, in addition to micronutrients, which are the vitamins and minerals found in whole foods, help sustain nutritional balance. The body doesn’t store protein the way it does with fat and carbs, meaning you need to be mindful of how you’re consuming it.
One of the best characteristics of protein is that, although the body needs to have a daily supply of protein, it doesn’t have to be in large amounts. Depending on your age, you usually only need two daily servings that are between 5 and 7 ounces (you can divide these servings in to smaller servings throughout the day as well. Please note protein needs can vary based on age and activity level). However, before you order a steak at dinner, understand that there are some drawbacks to digesting too much of it. Animal meat that is high in protein usually contains high quantities of saturated fats. If you consume too much, it can increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol and other illnesses.
It’s important to maintain a balanced diet. Some people think they should load up on protein and skip carbs and fats, but this can lead to high salt consumption and insufficient levels of calcium, potassium and magnesium. These key nutrients are found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Protein is a great energy booster and shows some signs of aiding weight loss, since it helps you feel fuller for longer.
Protein is one of the many essential building blocks for a healthy body, but most people think it’s only for pumping iron and building muscle. It’s wise to learn about some of the benefits, myths and sources of protein, and how it can contribute to a healthy diet.
I hope you enjoyed this great guest post and would love to hear any questions or feedback you have
Wishing you a happy, healthy week ahead!
–Ricci-Lee Hotz, MS, RDN
Denver’s Dancing Dietitian
A Taste of Health, LLC
“Improving Quality of life one bite at a time”
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.