Wondering how you can speed up the loss of stubborn belly fat? Protein can be your secret weapon for weight loss!
Losing belly fat is often one of the most difficult tasks people face when trying to lose weight. But proteins can be your key help in this challenge. Eating enough protein not only helps maintain muscle mass, but it can also promote faster fat burning, which includes fat around the belly.
Why is belly fat dangerous?
The fat that accumulates around the abdomen is known as visceral fat, meaning it surrounds key organs such as the liver and intestines. This type of fat is linked to a number of health risks, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
How does protein help lose belly fat?
Eating more protein from sources such as eggs, dairy products, meat, seafood, legumes and tofu can help preserve muscle mass and boost the fat burning process.
Increasing metabolism with protein
One of the ways that protein helps with fat loss is through its effect on metabolism. When you eat protein, your metabolism temporarily increases by about 15-30 %. In addition, protein ensures long-lasting satiety, which reduces the likelihood of overeating.
Which protein sources are the best?
Complete protein sources that contain all the essential amino acids include:
• Meat: beef, pork, lamb and poultry
• Fish: salmon, tuna
• Eggs: mainly the egg white
• Dairy products: milk, cheese, yogurt
How much protein should you eat to lose weight?
She recommends consuming as many grams of protein each day as your current body weight. So, if you weigh 54 kg, you should consume at least 54 grams of protein per day.
When is the best time to eat protein?
Experts emphasize that it is crucial to consume protein after training. During exercise, muscles are broken down, so it is important to provide the body with protein after exercise, which helps in their recovery. This also makes it possible to build muscle mass, which is key to burning fat faster.
Protein for vegans and vegetarians
Although animal-based proteins are easier to digest and absorb more quickly, plant-based protein sources such as soy and legumes are also excellent alternatives. Legumes, especially beans, are a perfect source of protein that is affordable and high in fiber. Vegans and vegetarians can also successfully gain muscle mass and lose excess body weight with real plant protein sources.