Protein is an essential nutrient for everyone, especially moms. You might’ve heard of its importance but do you know what protein can do for you especially for expecting moms? Here is a breakdown of what protein can do for you:
Aids in Weight Loss
Protein provides the building blocks for muscle and bone. A woman’s body needs to maintain muscle mass during pregnancy and nursing, but it also needs to rebuild after birth. Protein helps with both of these processes.
Protein helps you feel fuller longer. Protein takes more time to digest than carbs and fats, keeping you feeling satisfied between meals. And because your body burns more calories digesting it, you’ll burn more calories overall. This is why most women would supplement their protein needs.
Helps with Muscle Repair
During pregnancy, women experience significant increases in stress on their bodies, including increased weight gain and changes in posture to accommodate the growing baby. This can lead to muscle fatigue, which makes exercise difficult. Protein helps repair muscles after they’re broken down during exercise to recover more quickly and be ready for the next workout session.
Boosts the Immune System
The immune system is affected by a pregnancy, too. The hormones released during pregnancy can suppress the immune system, making you more susceptible to getting sick. And when you do get sick, you have a more challenging time fighting it off because your immune system has been compromised by pregnancy.
Protein helps boost the immune system by providing the building blocks for antibodies and other proteins needed to fight infections. In addition, protein provides amino acids that help your body produce its own infection-fighting chemicals (called cytokines).
Promotes Muscle Growth
Protein is the building block for muscle tissue and amino acids. Amino acids are organic compounds that play a role in cell structure and function. If you don’t get enough protein in your diet, your body will use amino acids from muscles to make up for it. That’s why athletes sometimes lose muscle mass during periods of intense training and calorie restriction — their bodies need the extra amino acids to help repair damaged tissue after a workout.
Yes, you can still workout when you are pregnant. Actually, you should, but it would not be a strenuous exercise. For faster results when it comes to muscle growth, you can always opt for protein supplements. You can do your research first or read blogs on protein products that are safe for pregnancy, or better yet, check with your doctor before taking any supplements.
Improves Metabolism
Protein helps with weight loss by keeping you feeling full longer. This is especially important for pregnant women because extra weight can put undue stress on the body, risking miscarriage or premature birth. In addition, if you’re not eating enough calories during pregnancy, your baby may not receive enough nutrients needed to grow properly.
Fights Anxiety and Depression
In addition to the building blocks of life, proteins are also mood-boosting neurotransmitters. They help keep your brain balanced during pregnancy and beyond. Proteins are made up of amino acids, critical for proper brain function. They help with memory, concentration, learning ability, and mood regulation. They also help protect against anxiety and depression and reduce stress levels by releasing dopamine and serotonin into your bloodstream, which makes you feel happier!
Preserves Lean Muscle Mass
Protein is the building block of lean muscle, and it’s important to maintain this muscle mass during pregnancy. When you’re pregnant, your body creates new cells and tissues for the baby. To do this, the body needs protein. If you don’t get enough protein, your body will take from its muscle stores to provide for the baby. This can result in loss of lean muscle mass and weight gain.
Makes Your Hair Healthier and Stronger
Protein is an essential building block for your hair. It helps strengthen your strands, so they’re less likely to break or fall out prematurely. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s essential that you get enough protein in your diet, so your baby gets enough nutrients during this critical stage of development.
Protein is a necessary nutrient that comes from various sources. If a mom is looking to increase her protein intake, there are several options available and some simple ways to incorporate protein into a daily diet. By doing so, mothers can ensure that their bodies have sufficient nutrients for all aspects of being a mother.
