Protein Benefits Your Health

4 Benefits of a Protein Packed Breakfast

Breakfast is not to be underestimated, especially if that breakfast is rich with protein. There are several key benefits to eating protein first thing in the morning. These benefits range from boosting energy levels to boosting the immune system.

1. A Protein-Rich Breakfast Repairs Cells

Cells are constantly dying or being damaged, and the body must constantly rebuild them. New cells can either be stronger than old cells, or they can be weaker. In order for your body to build strong cells, muscles, tissues and tendons, it needs proteins. Proteins are your body’s “building blocks.”

Proteins consumed in foods are turned into amino acids, which are then turned into any number of different cells in the body. If you don’t consume enough protein, your muscles simply won’t develop to their full potential.

It’s best to get a full dose of protein early in the morning, so your body has the amino acids it needs throughout the day to do its job.

2. A Protein-Rich Breakfast Boosts Energy

People who don’t get enough protein often feel mildly “out of it” in the early morning. This is caused by an extremely mild case of anemia, not serious enough to be clinically classified as anemia, but the same in principle.

Having enough protein in the morning will help cure this phenomenon. Want to tackle your day with bursting with energy, rather than feeling sluggish? Make sure you get enough protein in your breakfast.

3. A Protein-Rich Breakfast Burns Fat

Proteins take your body more energy to digest than carbohydrates, vegetables, or fruits. In other words, it burns more calories to digest proteins than any other category of food. In this process, your body also generates more heat. This in turn increases your Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR). Your RMR is basically how many calories you burn throughout the day, without exercise.

People generally underestimate the power of RMR. If you’re consuming 2,000 calories a day and you don’t gain or lose weight, then that means your RMR is burning 2,000 calories a day.

By eating protein early in the morning, you give your RMR a boost right from the beginning of the day. You’ll burn more calories throughout the day, without having to work a single muscle.

4. A Protein-Rich Breakfast Boosts the Immune System

Proteins also help boost your immune system. White blood cells, just like any other cells in your body, need good nutrition to build and rebuild themselves. Not getting enough protein will weaken your body’s immune system and open your body to all sorts of bacteria and viruses. It’s no secret that malnourished individuals are more likely to get sick. Lack of protein is one key reason.

So, to enjoy these benefits, choose a breakfast stuffed with protein. Foods like eggs, cheese, poultry, and nuts are all good options. These power foods can improve both your physical health and how you feel throughout the day. It’s good for you both in the short run and the long run. And best of all, it’s an easy fix!