Protein: Breaking Down a Healthy Diet

Posted: Sep 09 in Weight Loss Blog by

After weight loss surgery, you need to be mindful not just of what foods you are eating, but what nutrients make up that meal. As you cut calories, you need to focus on making sure that you are providing your body with as many nutrients as possible by seeking out nutrient-dense foods, such as lean-protein sources.

The Importance of Protein

Protein is incredibly important to your diet after weight loss surgery. Your body will require protein to recover following your bariatric procedure, not to mention helping you build muscle as you lose weight.

Protein is the building block of the body. When you are trying to lose weight, protein helps to provide your body with what it needs to generate muscle growth, which can help you achieve that toned and trim look that you are going for as you focus on exercising and eating right.

Since you will grow full much more quickly after you start to eat, you won’t likely be polishing off the same large meals that you may have regularly consumed beforehand. To ensure that you are getting all of the protein that you need it is best to eat your protein servings first.

Here are a few reasons why you should focus on protein as you adjust to your post-bariatric diet plan:

  • Stay full longer between meals. Protein helps with appetite management, helping to control hunger and therefore helping you to cut down on calories as you are trying to lose weight.
  • Build more muscle. Protein improves your body’s ability to form muscle, and increased muscle mass means improved strength. Protein is what helps your muscles achieve that toned look.
  • Improve bone strength. Protein helps to preserve bone strength, helping to prevent you from injury and bone decomposition with age.
  • Increase metabolic functioning. A diet rich in protein is found to improve your metabolic functioning, meaning that you will burn calories faster and more efficiently.
  • Lower your blood pressure. Protein can lower your blood pressure, helping to keep your heart healthy as you lose weight.

There are plenty of healthy ways that you can add more protein to your weight loss dietary plan. Look for protein in healthy lean dishes like grilled chicken and steamed fish, as well as vegetarian sources like tofu and beans. Your weight loss surgeon can recommend additional protein supplements, like protein shakes, to help you meet your daily protein needs as you adjust to your new dietary habits.

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