Eat Lean: Protein is the "magic ingredient"

Protein is found in every cell, muscle and tissue of our body. It is often called the “building blocks” for muscles. A protein is a long train of amino acids linked together, joined by peptide bonds.

Proteins serve many roles in our body:
• they provide structure (ligaments, fingernails, hair)
• help in digestion (stomach enzymes),
• help in movement (muscles)
• play a part in our ability to see (the lens of our eyes is pure crystalline protein).

Eating lean protein will help you lose body fat, even without exercise. Eating protein is thermogenic and therefore increases metabolism. Protein sustains energy levels for extended periods of time; it gives us that full feeling when we eat a meal.

How much protein do we need to eat? The Canada Food Guide advises us to eat 2 meat (or alternative) servings a day if you are a woman and 3 servings if you are a man. One serving could be:
• 75 g (2.5 ounces) or ½ cup of cooked fish, shellfish, poultry or lean meat
• 175 ml (3/4 cup) cooked beans
• 2 eggs
• 30 ml (2 Tbsp) peanut butter

To be continued

UPCOMING EVENTS:
>Boot camp class: for Nice and Friendly People: ongoing Thursday, 6:00pm to 7:00pm False Creek park. Classes run weekly during the summer. You can join in anytime for only $50/4 classes. Email or call 604 329.1257 to register.

Hike of the month: Hike Lynn Canyon with women, Saturday June 25, 1 to 3 pm,only $7.00 for you, $5 for you and a friend. Discover the trail across Lynn Canyon, into Emerald Pools to Rice Lake and return; this is an easy introduction to hiking with some steps and elevation change. Call 604 329.1257 or email info@gaiaadventures.com to register.

Catherine D'Aoust at GAIA Adventures
http://www.gaiaadventures.com
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