The Pros of Protein

Which knight made sure King Arthur got his protein?

Sir Loin 😂

What do you call a protein that has anger management issues?

Amino Acid 😂

Why was the protein self conscious?

Because of how much it wheys 😂

What is the opposite of a protein?

An amateur teen! 😂

What did the vegan body builder say when he was offered a protein shake?

No whey! 😂

Ok ok….let me compose myself. As you can see, there are some hilarious jokes and puns about protein out there. As funny as they are, let’s get serious and learn the benefits of eating an adequate amount of protein.

Before we continue with Part 2 “Man Cannot Live on Bread Alone” let’s recap last week’s post. We learned:

✅ The 3 macronutrients: Protein, Carbs, Fat

✅ The formula for the minimum amount of protein a person should be getting

✅ How to read a food label to determine how much protein the source contains

✅ A respectable list of protein sources to incorporate into your diet

I also highlighted how disheartening I thought it was to incentivize someone to get a vaccine by rewarding them with something that directly contributes to the main conditions which prove to be detrimental to recovery, like diabetes and obesity via Krispy Kreme and fair food. (Click HERE to see the incentives I’m referring to.)

Before we begin today, I will reiterate that this series is NOT a message that “carbs are bad.”  It’s a message that it’s easy to overindulge in carbs and neglect the amount of protein we need. This series is about learning the roles and the importance of balancing our macros.

Now, back to our regular scheduled program:

At this point you may be asking, what does protein do and why is it important?

Great question.

Let’s start with a list of 10 critical functions of protein in our body.

1. Builds Muscle 
2. Creates Connective Tissue and Other Structural Aspects of the Body
3. Supports Growth and Development
4. Fortifies the Immune System
5. Communicates and Signals Between Cells and Organ Systems 
6. Builds Neurotransmitters to Help Regulate Brain Activity
7. Proteins Are Involved in Every Aspect of DNA
8. Facilitates Reactions in the Body 
9. Maintains Homeostasis
10. Supplies Energy

It’s safe to assume you’re familiar with a couple of these functions, especially building and repairing muscle. While others may not be as familiar, rest assure every role protein plays is vital to our health.

Without going into a super complex science lesson, I’ll share the 2 functions of protein that I believe are most beneficial to us in today’s times.

Again, I can’t think of a more crucial time for people to focus on their overall health and work to put themselves in the best possible position for a (quick and easy) recovery should they get sick.

Protein Boosts Immune Health

As #4 in the illustration above points out, protein fortifies the immune system. Heres an easy to understand explanation:

• Antibodies are a type of protein in your blood that help protect your body from bacteria and viruses 🦠
• Protein helps form these antibodies to fight infection.
• The more antibodies you have, the harder it gets for these invaders to multiply and wreak havoc on your body.

Protein Boosts Metabolism & Increases Fat Burning

Time for a quick lesson: TEF 101

• TEF is the abbreviation for Thermic Effect of Food
• Our bodies use calories to digest food and make use of the nutrients in those foods. This is called TEF.

When it comes to the food being digested, not all foods are created equal. What I mean by this is that some foods have a higher thermic effect than other.

Of the 3 macronutrients, protein, carbs and fat, guess which one has the highest TEF?

PROTEIN!!

Higher protein consumption has been shown to significantly increase metabolism and the number of calories you burn. I read one study that showed a high protein group burning 260 more calories per day than a low protein group.

Thats over 400 burpees worth of calories 😱

If you’re not sure whether or not those burpees are worth it, do 20 burpees and then reevaluate. Here’s how:

 

As I’ve previously mentioned, obesity is considered an underlying condition that hinders the body’s ability to fight a virus.

32% of Americans are overweight and another 36% of Americans are obese.

Most of us know that to prevent weight gain or to lose weight, we have to burn more calories than we consume. Consuming more of a macro that contributes to our bodies natural calorie burn, is a great WHEY to go! 

Let’s round out this post with one last joke.

What did Jesus say when he ran out of protein?

Wait a second…..I AM the whey! 😌😃😂

All jokes aside, His way is the only way. Jesus is a miracle worker and your needs will never be too big or too small for Him.

If you’re battling with food or health in general, please know you are not alone. Send a private message (maria@projectbreadcrumbtrail.com) or seek counsel with a trusted person.

Whatever you do, choose courage over comfort.

Talk to Jesus. Surrender your thinking. Surrender your situation. Then be ready to listen up and act upon His plan for you.

Future posts in this series will dive deeper into Matthew 4:4 and John 14:6, but for now, just read your labels, get your protein and talk to Jesus about your fears.

“I AM  the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

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May God bless and protect our country and everyone reading.

~MLO