Protein and Weight Management
Protein may have an effect on an individual’s ability to manage their weight in a variety of ways, by: 1) increasing levels of satiety; 2) maintaining lean body mass thus possibly increasing energy expenditure; and, 3) overall dietary compliance. While each of these individual relationships to protein and weight management is being studied independently, their inter-relationship to each other likely contributes to protein’s association with weight maintenance.
Protein comes from a variety of sources. Beef, poultry, fish, and eggs are animal sources of protein that also provide essential B-vitamins such as folate, zinc, and iron. Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, provide calcium and supply protein in the form of casein and whey. Soybeans and soy protein-based foods, like soy milk and soy-based meat alternatives, are a plant based source of protein, which are low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free, and may play a role in reducing risk of heart disease.
