While eating protein-rich foods alone will not be the only factor that can help you shed unwanted pounds, it is a start in the right direction. Here are a few ways protein helps and promotes weight loss.:
1. It is slow-digesting, so it helps you feel fuller for a longer period of time. It allows you to feel satisfied for longer so that you don't take in additional calories. Over time, if you are eating less because you are feeling fuller, you will be cutting a lot of calories and thus able to see weight loss as a result.
2. When you eat a protein-rich food with a carbohydrate-rich food, you got the formula down. You want to do this so carbs aren't digested quickly and absorbed faster into the bloodstream, oftentimes causing spikes in blood sugar. When protein is added, it binds with the carbs and slows down absorption into your stomach and bloodstream thus allowing for even and consistent blood sugar levels.
3. Protein is a "Thermogenic Effect Food" (TEF) meaning it takes more energy and thus your body burns more calories to breakdown protein than it does for carbohydrates and fats. Here again, more calories are being burnt just to process this macronutrient and therefore helping you expend more energy and lose weight.
4. Your body needs both carbohydrates and protein to utilized fats efficiently. When you have enough protein in your diet your body is fueled up to burn fat and preserve muscle.
5. when you have surgery, for women that give birth, or for those that workout and strength train, protein is essential. It is a crucial component to helping our bodies repair and rebuilds, as well as promote muscle growth. For those that are in the gym looking for gains, you won't be able to move forward without the addition of adequate protein to feed those muscles.