UPDATE: GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED- WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15th !!
Having a hard time getting rid of stubborn pounds? The solution to your problem might be in the form of a little macronutrient we all know as: protein!
Today I’ll be sharing 3 key reasons why getting more protein in your diet can help you lose weight – especially if you’ve hit a stubborn weight loss plateau. Then after, we’ll wrap things up with today’s awesome NUGO BAR GIVEAWAY!
Now let’s talk protein.
Research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has shown that people who follow high-protein diets do have more success losing weight than those who eat less protein and more carbohydrates. Furthermore, other studies show that protein supports weight loss and control in at least 3 distinct ways:
First protein is very satiating, so it naturally curbs hunger and over-eating. Second, when consumed with carbs, protein helps slow digestion and better regulate blood sugar and insulin levels. And finally, protein has been shown to increase metabolism and stimulate protein synthesis, which then helps preserve as well as build calorie-burning muscle.
Think of it like this: Inside your body, a war is being waged between the cells that make up muscle and those that make up fat. And the best way to securing weight loss victory is to give your muscle cells all the ammunition they need to grow, thrive and dominate your fat cells. Protein! It’s as simple as that.
Bottom line, by getting ample protein in your diet, you’ll strategically avoid those pesky hunger pangs that come from dieting, you’ll also burn fat more efficiently, you’ll drop pounds faster, and you’ll achieve that lean, beautiful toned physique you want.
In my diet book, That’s Why We Get Fat, I talk more in-depth about the importance of protein and also share 5 key slim-down strategies for picking a healthy protein bar and healthy protein supplements in general. So definitely check out That’s Why We Get Fat if you want to learn those tips, as well as the many other awesome diet and fitness tips I share to help you smash fat fast and reclaim your slim!
And now, in the spirit of healthiness and protein, I’m happy to present a very cool giveaway by the folks at Nugo Nutrition!
Almost a year ago I came across Nugo Bars at my local Whole Foods Market, and being the consummate foodie that I am, I decided to give them a shot. What caught my eye in particular was that Nugo likes to deliciously coat their bars in real dark chocolate. In fact, the dark chocolate coating is somewhat of their signature and I really like that Nugo has a great selection of high protein, high fiber, low-sugar bars.
Now for today’s Giveaway, Nugo was gracious enough to offer up 1 (one) box of 12 bars, and the box will be a mix of their two new dark flavors: Chocolate Coconut and Spicy Chocolate.
FYI, I’ve tried both of these bars and they’re really yummy. I especially love the Chocolate Coconut.
Giveaway Rules:
- Share this post with a friend
- Leave a comment below letting me know if you keep a food journal and track your daily protein intake.
- One winner in the continental US will be chosen to receive this Nugo giveaway, and you will be contacted via the email address you use to comment on my blog.
Good luck guys! – Doc
GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED- WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15th !!
Hi Doc.,
What if you’re trying to eat less meat but not trying to be a vegetarian…what are some safe non-meat protein choices…I don’t eat beef nor pork..I like salmon, Amish chicken and very little turkey…it is my understanding that too much protein raises your risk for certain cancers. Thanks for your advice!
I do have a food journal (I use the myfitnesspal app) but I don’t really track my protein intake that intensely. I probably should though!
Hi Tammy! Good job on keeping a food journal, also MyFitnessPal updated a few months ago and you can now see your macro (protein, fat, carb) intake nicely broken down in a pie graph Check that out.
I need to get better at tracking my protein intake. I keep track of what I eat. But I estimate the weight of my meats. And, I know I would be better off if I weighed my food.
Hi Samantha! Yes, the Spicy Chocolate is yummy and has a nice kick to it. These two flavors are pretty new but I figure they will be in stores soon. Also, it’s great that you keep track of what you eat, and there are tons of apps which will break down your macros (protein, carbs, fat) once you enter into your food journal. MyFitnessPal is one great app that breaks down macros.
I eat Kashi Cinnamon Harvest. It doesn’t have enough as Chobani for example, but enough to get a good start on my day.
I use the app “myfitnesspal” to keep track of pretty much everything I eat. As far as getting my daily protein intake, my cereal has a good amount of protein, and in most of my lunches I Ty to have non-meat protein sources (mainly tofu, whole foods almonds, almond butter, etc.) and I save meat for dinner most of the time.
MyFitnessPal is an excellent app and I use t as well. Those are also excellent non-meat sources of protein you listed. You mention that your cereal has a good amount of protein- what cereal do you eat?
I eat Kashi Cinnamon Harvest. It doesn’t have enough as My Greek yogurt for example, but it has 6 grams, which isn’t too bad for cereal. I’ll often have a side of Tamari almonds with it (i love whole foods Tamari almonds if you haven’t already noticed.)
OK cool. Thanks for sharing!
I don’t keep track, but I try my best to estimate. I just started my fitness routine and I’m trying to increase my protein uptake.
I’d recommend taking a more accurate approach that guesstimating, especially if you’re going to be very active. Either way, thanks for commenting and best wishes on your fitness journey!
I have not kept track, but I just had a baby and am ready to get back to my fitness self.
Sounds like a good plan and congrats on the new baby!
I do keep track of my protein as of recent. I was in the hospital for surgery a few months ago, and they told me in order to heal quicker, I should really up my protein intake, which I’ve been doing ever since.
Hi Melissa, post surgery you should definitely be mindful about getting adequate protein and nutrition in general. Hope all is well in your health and thanks for sharing.