Most of us are familiar with the idea of burning calories through exercise, but did you know that your body burns calories even while you’re eating? This is thanks to a process called the thermic effect of food (TEF)—and it’s especially powerful when it comes to protein. Let’s break down how you can burn more calories simply by adjusting what you eat, and why protein should be your go-to if fat loss is your goal.
The Thermic Effect of Food: How It Works
Every time you eat, your body uses energy to digest, absorb, and process the nutrients in your food. This energy expenditure is known as the thermic effect of food, and different macronutrients require different amounts of energy to digest.
- Protein: Burns 20-30% of its calories during digestion.
- Carbohydrates: Burns only 5-10% of its calories during digestion.
- Fats: Burns a mere 0-3% of its calories during digestion.
This means that when you consume protein, 20-30% of its calories are used just to break it down. In other words, for every 100 calories of protein you eat, up to 30 of those calories are burned in the digestion process alone! Compare that to carbs or fats, which burn far fewer calories as they’re digested.
By including more protein in your diet, you can boost your metabolism and burn more calories simply by eating. It’s a smart, effortless way to power up your fat loss journey.
Why Protein Matters for Fat Loss
Protein doesn’t just help you burn more calories—it also plays a critical role in preserving lean muscle mass, which is essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn, even when you’re at rest.
Consuming more protein helps you feel full longer, reducing hunger and preventing overeating, which can further support fat loss. It's one of the most effective ways to manage your appetite and improve body composition.
As Dr. Michael Colgan, a leading expert in sports nutrition, once said: “Protein is the king of nutrients when it comes to fat loss and muscle maintenance.”
Quality Protein Matters
While it’s clear that protein can help you burn more calories, not all proteins are created equal. You want to focus on high-quality protein sources that provide all the essential amino acids your body needs for optimal function. Lean meats, fish, eggs, and plant-based options like quinoa are excellent choices, but there’s one protein that stands out for its purity and effectiveness—collagen.
Why By Beth Collagen Is the Perfect Protein Choice
By Beth Bovine Collagen is a high-quality protein source that not only supports your fat loss efforts but also promotes overall wellness. Collagen is rich in essential amino acids like glycine and proline, which not only help with muscle repair but also improve skin, joint, and gut health. Unlike some other protein sources, collagen is easy to digest and free from unnecessary additives, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking to fuel smart and burn more.
By incorporating By Beth Collagen into your daily routine, you can power your body with clean, high-quality protein that enhances both fat loss and overall vitality. Plus, its thermic effect means you’ll be burning calories while nourishing your body!
Conclusion
If you’re aiming for fat loss, it’s time to rethink how you eat—and what you eat. By including more high-quality protein like By Beth Collagen in your diet, you can naturally boost your metabolism, burn more calories through digestion, and support your body’s fat-burning processes.
So, power up with protein, fuel your metabolism, and burn more calories as you eat! It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to reach your fat loss goals while promoting long-term health and wellness.
References:
- Halton, T.L., and Hu, F.B. "The effects of high-protein diets on thermogenesis, satiety, and weight loss: a critical review." The Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 2004.
- Westerterp, K.R. "Diet induced thermogenesis." Nutrition & Metabolism, 2004.
- Colgan, M. "The effects of protein on fat loss and muscle maintenance." Sports Nutrition Journal, 2010.