Why Is Protein Important?
Making sure you get adequate protein intake every day is a simple and safe way to support losing or maintaining your ideal weight. Protein helps you feel fuller during a meal–and keeps you satisfied well after you’ve eaten. Because protein is filling, you won’t be as tempted to snack between meals or consume “junk food” that’s high in sugar, fat and calories, and low in nutritional value.
Protein also helps reduce carbohydrate cravings. Carbohydrates, especially sweets and starches, can trigger the brain to crave more of the same–which leads to a vicious cycle of overeating. Protein foods help block cravings. When you eat protein with healthy carbohydrates, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, the protein will keep you satisfied, while reducing your cravings for sweets and starches. This makes protein a powerful ally in your quest to lose weight.
In addition, protein helps maintain and build lean body mass, which is important because it determines your metabolic rate. To safely lose weight, you need to maintain a healthy lean body mass. Not only does too little protein leave dieters feeling weak and hungry, but the body may begin burning lean body mass for energy. The protein in ShapeWorks™ shakes and products is lean, easily digestible and lower calorie than eating meats.
Women need, on average, 100 grams of protein daily to build and maintain an optimal amount of lean-body mass. Men need more–averaging 150 grams of protein daily. The Ideal Meal allows you to meet these protein goals at a very low-calorie cost. These protein guidelines are designed to keep you from feeling hungry, and the calorie-controlled shakes allow you to incorporate plenty of healthy fresh fruits and vegetables into a balanced meal plan. Everyone has different protein needs based upon their size, build and age, so personalize your protein intake according to your needs.