Are you getting enough protein?

Hear the word protein, and you might think of extreme diets, or muscle building. It does have a strong connection with weight control and muscle strength, but protein is also the centre of a lot of confusion and conflicting information. So let’s look at the facts.

Getting enough protein is important for weight control for two reasons. Firstly, protein is a powerful appetite suppressant. It’s the number one nutrient for making you feel fuller for longer, and hunger satisfaction is vital if you are trying to cut back on kilojoules. Constant hunger is not a lot of fun. Those powdered drinks designed to help you lose weight aren’t loaded with quality protein for nothing.

Secondly, protein helps your body maintain and protect muscle tissue while dieting. A lower kilojoule intake without adequate protein can force the body to break down muscle and bone to get all the building blocks it needs for tissue growth and repair. Muscle tissue is important because it burns off lots of kilojoules, and gives you energy and strength. By not eating enough protein, you’ll be hungry and weak. But, you can also get too much of a good thing, because eating protein in excess can have some negative health consequences. So how do you get the balance right?

We need to eat a minimum of about 0.80 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight a day. For athletes, pregnant women, dieters or the elderly it's a little more. Foods such as lean meat, seafood, eggs, low-fat dairy, nuts and seeds are all rich in protein. Protein supplements and drinks can also be a convenient way to boost your protein intake, such as Blackmores and ProDefinition, or meal replacements. If you struggle with hunger or food cravings, or if you have difficulty keeping your portions under control, there may not be enough protein in your diet. Use food labels or an online food tracker to see if you’re getting enough protein in your diet

Do you eat enough protein? How important do you think protein is for weight control?