Monday, June 4, 2007 by Dr. Manny
I am sure that we are all aware of the emphasis that has been placed on consuming protein by many of the popularized diets over the past several years. The Atkins diet is certainly the one that comes to mind. The Medifast diet also places an emphasis on protein, but also takes into consideration the other important sources of energy, such as carbohydrates. Let's discuss just what protein is, how do we get it and why it is important.
Protein comes to us from several different sources including the meat we eat, plants, and milk products. Medifast products contain ample protein while still supplying our body with enough carbohydrates so our brains function normally. Protein is made up of amino acids. There are twenty amino acids in all. Eight are considered Essential amino acids. These essential amino acids need to be obtained through food intake. The body cannot normally produce these amino acids itself. That is why they are considered essential. Medifast contains all the necessary essential amino acids you need on a daily basis. The remainder of the twenty amino acids can be manufactured in our bodies. The body hooks together amino acids using what is called a peptide bond to form proteins. This is done in our cells according to a genetic blueprint for that specific protein. Cool huh? Contrary to popular belief, we can get all the needed essential amino acids from plants, but it is rather difficult to do. Meat is easier, and Medifast is easier still.
Our bodies can actually use protein for energy by doing what is called deamination. This process produces carbon dioxide and urea and this is why our urine sometimes smells funny when we have been eating large amounts of meat. With Medifast, you still get plenty of protein, but you do not go overboard. The problem with using protein as an energy source instead of carbohydrates is that protein is a relatively poor energy source. The other major problem is in dieting. IF your body is not getting enough carbohydrates while you diet, it will go after your lean muscle for energy. This is very bad. Your lean muscle is your most metabolically active tissue and it is what helps keep you thin. The Medifast diet helps prevent loss of lean muscle while you lose weight by supplying us with enough carbohydrates and enough protein. It is for this specific reason that I don't like the Atkins diet. Your body needs some carbohydrates, and good ones, in order to run correctly. Medifast supplies what you need to have complete nutrition while losing weight. Medifast works!
As always, "The key to good dieting is good nutrition."
