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Protein Supplements in Fat Burning Diets -
Do You Need One?
Protein supplements in fat burning diets are controversial.
Lots of diet and fitness experts swear by them.
Others think they are a complete waste of money,
and an advertising gimmick drummed up by the diet
and fitness industry. Perhaps you have tried them
in the past, or are using one now. If so, you
most likely have an opinion already based on whether
or not they have helped you in your efforts to
lose weight.
The theory of using supplements in weight loss
is based around the idea that our bodies need
high quality nutrition in order to keep our internal
furnace working at optimal level. If our metabolism
is not functioning efficiently, we will not be
able to burn off the calories necessary to lose
weight. In addition, protein is essential in building
muscle. When our bodies contain a higher percentage
of muscle and less fat, we are able to passively
burn more calories throughout the day.
Powdered protein supplements that are specifically
designed for weight loss are low in calories.
They contain high quality protein, and they often
have added nutritional ingredients as well. They
tend to fill us up, and can help to decrease hunger.
As we all know, hunger is a big factor in diet
failure. Finding ways to trick our hunger and
lessen it, is an important key to success in losing
weight.
Supplements Or Real Food, Which Is Better?
But why not just cook up a big piece of chicken,
or add some other protein to our diet. Wouldn't
it be just as good to then toss in some healthy
vegetables and get our nutrients that way. Why
do we need to use these expensive powders? It
is pretty much agreed that lean protein and good
nutrition is necessary in our diets for optimal
nutrition. Whether to use protein supplements,
or just eat real food is the issue that has people
taking sides.
One reason to favor supplements may be that our
modern diets are often deficient in many nutrients,
even when we eat all the right foods. Our modern
farming methods have depleted our soils in many
areas, and the nutritional value of our foods
is probably less in a lot of cases than it was
in times past. To get the same nutritional value
of some supplements, we may have to consume impractical
quantities of food. When our bodies are not optimally
nourished, we can be set up for all kinds of cravings.
A properly nourished body in theory, will experience
less cravings for things like sugar and other
unhealthy foods.
A second reason to supplement may be your activity
levels. If you are very active, you may need extra
protein and more nutrition than you can get from
just food alone. If you are a body builder, or
high intensity athlete you most likely are already
using some kind of supplement to ensure that you
continue to build and maintain needed muscle,
and have adequate calories to fuel your furnace.
How To Choose A Supplement
When choosing a supplement, you will want to
make sure that you are getting adequate protein
in a high quality form. Choose a bar or drink
that does not have a lot of sugar. As protein
supplements have become more popular, they are
available everywhere. Many of them are not high
quality and they contain way too much sugar. The
added sugars are wasted calories of no nutritional
value. They also may actually make you more hungry
by making your blood sugar spike, and then drop
after the sugar rush has passed.
Individual Factors in Deciding To Use Protein
Supplements
Here are some factors to consider when you are
deciding to use, or not use protein supplements
in your diet.
1. Time
If you are on the go and don't always have time
to cook a good meal, supplements may be a good
option for you.
They can be quick to make. You can keep them
with you when you are on the go, or traveling.
You have options of drinks, and ready made bars
that can be carried in your purse or car. You
can use them as a meal replacement.
2. Individual Preference
Some people like the taste of some of the protein
supplements. The taste of these foods has improved
in recent years. They may make you feel more in
control of your food plan, or you may feel they
are a nuisance.
4. You Activity Level and Lifestyle.
This is an important factor in deciding to add
protein supplements to your diet. If you are very
sedentary and inactive, you may not need them.
If you are a body builder, or do a lot of physical
activity, you may find them to be really helpful,
or necessary in order to get enough nutrition
to build muscle mass.
Conclusion-You Decide
After considering the options, the choice I recommend
is that you make your own informed decision based
on your goals, and lifestyle. You decide whether
or not it makes sense to make protein supplements
part of your weight loss plan. Experiment and
find out what works best for you. Take control
of your own body, and what will work best in your
individual situation.
Your best guide is how you feel. You are in the
best position to know the answer to this question,
not your doctor or trainer.
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