Vegans Should Add Complimentary Plant Based Protein

Protein comes from a variety of sources, such as meat, dairy, fish, soy, eggs, legumes and nut butters, and leave behind important amino acids that your body needs for tissue growth and repair. When altering your protein intake, be mindful of how your body responds and make adjustments accordingly. If you are trying to lose weight, aim for protein consumption towards the upper end of the scale. Complete protein delivers the nine essential amino acids that your body needs for building blocks, and delivers them in one easy-to-use source that allows your body to use them where you need it most. Although there is a good amount of plant-based protein found in beans, peas, nuts and seeds, most vegetables and grains contain smaller doses. Always opt for whole grains, since refining destroys the part of most grains that have the largest amount of protein.

Do's and Don'ts for Fine Tuning Metabolism

Even though you cannot control your age, gender or genetics, there are ways you can increase your metabolic rate and fine-tune your metabolism. Listed are some tips for increasing your burn, such as:

• Too Few Calories - It is essential to consume enough calories. If you do not, it can wreck your weight loss plans by slowing your metabolism and triggering a protective mode.
• Too Little Protein - Your metabolism slows during sleep and does not rev up until you eat again. This helps explain why breakfast eaters lose more weight than breakfast skippers do. But, don't overdo. A 400-calorie meal will jumpstart your metabolism.
• Sedentary Lifestyle - You know that prolonged periods of sitting around too much is bad for your metabolism. So, limit your time in front of the TV and move more. At work, a standing desk can provide an increase in metabolism to help you avoid weight gain.
• Avoid Sugary Beverages - If you want to lose weight and keep off, skip the cafe mochas and stick to water or unsweetened tea. You are better off saving the sweet stuff for that occasional sweet treat.
• Drink Extra Water - If you are mildly dehydrated, your metabolism can slow down. Studies have shown participants who drank eight glasses of water each day lost more weight than those who only drank four glasses per day.

Taking the stairs at work, walking when you're talking on your cell phone and parking further away from the mall entrance can boost your daily burn.

Genetic Influences Evolve Slower Than Lifestyle Factors

The epidemic rate of obesity in our country cannot be blamed entirely on having inherited a slow metabolism. Fact is genetic influences simply do not evolve that quickly, so lifestyle issues and environmental factors are more likely culprits. Why people respond differently to extra calories and gain weight is one of life's great mysteries. Not everyone overeats and becomes overweight nor do all obese individuals develop chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease. Numerous medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid problems and hormonal imbalances can cause weight gain. It is important to make sure you do not have hidden food allergies or intolerances that hinder your ability to lose weight. Men tend to have more muscle mass and higher levels of testosterone hormone, which influences their energy burning mechanisms. It can be frustrating in a couple's setting when the man loses twice as much as their female partner over the same time frame, however, with patience, both can lose the same percentage of weight over time.

At the Metabolic Research Center, our weight loss specialists have been warning clients for decades about the dangers of following fad diets with highly restricted food groups and how it can lower metabolism when their body goes into starvation mode. If you have been searching online for a weight loss program that helps you maintain a healthy metabolism for long-term weight control, visit the MRC location nearest you or use this website's Contact Us form for prompt answers to any questions you have about adding protein to your diet.