Good Sources
of Protein
Good sources of protein seem to be the latest craze these days. Everywhere you turn diet gurus, body builders and dieters are trying to chow
down on as much protein as they can get their hands on. The need for adequate protein in our body is second only to the need for water.
Each and every cell in your body needs protein. It is one of the most important components for cells. The hair on your head and body as well as the nails on your fingers and toes is mostly protein. The body uses protein to repair and build tissues.
Protein is also used to make the natural chemicals in the body such as hormones and enzymes. It is an essential building block for skin, bones, cartilage, muscles and blood. It would be impossible for your body to function without protein.
Daily Protein Requirement
The old saying that more protein builds more muscle is simply not true. The only way a person can build muscle is through exercise, not by eating more protein. Needless to say however, good sources of protein are essential for a healthy body. Here are the recommendations on how much protein a person should get:
Many people get plenty of protein through their intake of protein rich foods while others lack the daily requirement. Numerous people find that supplementing their diets with a protein shake or bar once or twice a day gives them the convenience of their daily requirement without firing up the grill.
Sources of Protein
Starting your morning with protein can stabilize your blood sugar levels giving you that extra boost to get you through the rest of the day. Nutritionist will advise consuming good sources of protein throughout the day to get your daily requirement. Protein shakes or bars give you the convenience as well as the nutritional benefits.
Protein powders consist of four different sources or combination of; whey, which is from milk, soy, egg and rice.These concentrated sources of protein are processed into a powder. Mixing the powder with water, milk or fruit juice constitutes a protein shake effectively serving as a
recommended intake of protein. In addition, protein powders may be used on cereal, in baked goods and even stirred other dishes such as stews, casseroles and soups.
Protein bars of course include the same protein sources as shakes. And the convenience, well it does require a little unwrapping.
List of High Protein Foods
In a perfect world we would all sit down and eat our three nutritious meals a day. Less face the facts, for the majority of us, its not that easy. If you are one of the fortunate one's or just need to incorporate the right protein into your diet, here is a list of foods high in protein.
Beef
Chicken
Fish
Eggs
Dairy
Beans
Nuts & Seeds
Too Much Protein
While at first a high protein diet plan will help you lose weight because it forces the metabolism into a state of ketosis. Ketosis is where the body flips a switch and instead of burning carbs it starts burning stored fat. The long term effects however are not as positive.
When the body breaks down protein it produces ammonia. The impact of high amounts of ammonia in the body is still being 
studied. We do know that people that eat a diet high in protein excrete calcium in the urine, which means that the body isgetting rid of calcium storage which could lead to osteoporosis, as well as possible heart problems.
Finally, diets that are high in protein and low in carbohydrates also tend to be high in saturated fats which can lead to an increase in risk for diabetes, stroke, and heart disease as well as certain types of cancers.
Choose Your Protein Wisely
If you are looking at increasing protein intake to increase weight loss, then you should pay attention to the type of protein you are getting. Avoid processed meats such as deli meats, hot dogs and sausages. Instead opt for good sources of protein such as fish, poultry, beans, nuts and whole grains, legumes and soy.
