Sometimes, the only reminder of the festive season is that uncomfortable feeling around the waistband, where a few too many mince pies have settled down. It is a good idea to deal with those extra inches as soon as possible, before they become too stubborn. Even if it is only a couple of pounds, they tot up after a few years and can lead to weight related complications, including diabetes, cancer and heart disease.
Diet plays a key role in any weight management program and adding whey protein often helps make a positive difference. Here are some of the reasons why:
- The body requires more energy to digest protein than other foods so as a result you burn more calories after a protein meal.
- Protein helps to stabilize blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. This in turn reduces hunger by lowering insulin levels and making it easier for the body to burn fat.
- High quality whey protein is rich in the amino acid ‘leucine’ which helps preserve lean muscle tissue while promoting fat loss. Whey protein contains more leucine than milk protein, egg protein and soy protein.
- Whey protein isolate is a pure protein with little to no fat or carbohydrates. It is a perfect complement to any low carb or low GI diet plan.
Whey protein isolate, the purest form available, is unsurpassed as a source of the essential amino acids required in the daily diet. These amino acids are the building blocks for healthy muscles, skin, nails and other body tissue, so by adding whey protein to your diet you take care of a lot more than just weight management.
For instance, since whey protein helps maintain strong muscles and prevent bone loss it is ideal both for athletes as well as the elderly, and those recovering from illness. It also helps with wound healing, as protein and its amino acids are the building blocks that initiate the growth of new skin. New research is also showing that whey protein may help in the battle against high blood pressure, and there is a potential for cholesterol reduction as well.
So, if your bathroom scales are trying to tell you something and you are still basking in the glow of your new year resolutions, come and check out how we can help you at Elixir.
You can buy Solgar's Whey To Go protein powder in three tasty flavours - just click here.
By Randi Henderson, Elixir Health Foods
