Using a food calorie chart to choose foods when shopping or eating out is a pretty wise thing to do. It will not only help you lose and maintain weight. It will also help you get healthy and stay that way. And keeping a food calories chart handy will help keep you on the right track.food nutrition chart

Does One Need A Protein Supplement To Lose Weight?

By Judy Sullivan


It is believed in some quarters that consumption of an extra amount of protein augments the effects of other weight loss plans. Proponents argue that you need a protein supplement to lose weight even as you use other plans such as regular physical exercise and a reduction in fatty food consumption. The main argument advanced in favour of this claim is that the proteins will help you gain more muscle and you will shed off unnecessary fat progressively. Are these claims true? If so, what are the risks involved? We will explore any scientific basis behind these claims.

Proteins form part of a balanced diet together with carbohydrates, fats and vitamins. They play a very important role in the body as far as wound healing is concerned. They are also the main component of muscle. Some of the well-known sources include eggs, fish, meat, chicken, soy and dairy products. The daily recommended intake is about 70 grams. This can be obtained easily from an average diet. Excesses are usually converted to fat.

Commonly used supplements exist as whey powder. The powder is usually added to the food in moderate amounts. Whey has a high potential to reduce the appetite of virtually all foods groups. Reduced food consumption is one of the most important steps required for a successful weight loss program. Apart from reducing appetite, users also experience early satiety and are contended with just enough portions of food.

Commitment is an important attribute that one will need to have if their plan is to succeed. It is important to be cautious not to go back to the unhealthy habits even when you start to see improvements. At the same time, the other parts of the program must also be treated with the seriousness they deserve because they all work together. Physical exercise must be undertaken on a regular basis and foods should be chosen in accordance with the advice of the nutritionist.

Whey is cheap and easily available. It can be mixed with almost any kind of food because most brands are sweetened and flavoured. There are, however, a number of downsides that are associated with the use of shakes apart from possible nutritional deficiencies. One of them is the fact that long term use increases the risk of diverticulitis, heart disease and kidney disease.

It is important to emphasize that these may not always work. Some people may experience excellent results after a short while, others may have to wait a little longer and others may not see any change at all. The effectiveness largely depends on how well the other measures aimed at aiding in weight loss have been implemented. It is important to seek help if you notice that there is no improvement whatsoever.

Even as you use this therapy, make sure that you do not forget about the other food groups. A balanced diet is important regardless of what you weigh. If you cut on the other foods, you increase your risk for nutritional deficiencies.

If you need a protein supplement to lose weight, ensure that you consult your nutritionist first. It is such a professional that will guide you on what to buy depending on the magnitude of your problem. If you cannot find a qualified nutritionist, the best thing would be to conduct thorough research on the product of your choice rather than to be guided by what is said in the commercials.




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