Weight Management
Soy protein has received a lot of attention for its ability to aid in weight loss and weight management. The overall key to weight management is finding the right balance between diet and exercise, and studies suggest that soy protein may be an important part of the process!
Research confirms the importance of a diet that includes plant protein, such as soy, as it may be a significant factor in controlling caloric intake. Protein makes you feel full, or increases your state of satiety, for longer than if you ate mostly carbohydrates. The feeling of being full can lead to eating fewer calories during the day! Soy foods have fewer calories, less fat and more protein than many other sources of protein. Therefore, top-quality, lean protein from soy foods can aid in weight control and limit the craving for more food!
The importance of these findings cannot be understated in the midst of a society where obesity has become an epidemic of vast proportion. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture advocate selecting lean sources of protein and eating foods that are higher in potassium, calcium, magnesium and other essential vitamins and nutrients, but lower in saturated fat and cholesterol. Soy foods can help Americans meet these dietary goals. Soy protein is not only low in fat, it is cholesterol free. So avoid eating too much, increase your physical activity, and choose a proper diet complete with a variety of delicious soy food products. This balance and healthy lifestyle will help you manage your body weight, reduce stress, and maintain proper weight, not to mention a whole host of other benefits that come from a health conscious lifestyle.
Weight Management - FAQs
So I’m a little heavy. What’s wrong with that?
The prevalence of obesity in the United States has doubled in the past two decades. Nearly one-third of adults are clinically obese. The epidemic of obesity is a great public health concern as excess body fat leads to a higher risk for premature death, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, gall bladder disease, respiratory dysfunction, gout, dyslipidemia, osteoarthritis, and certain kinds of cancers.
What are the benefits of maintaining proper weight?
Achieving a healthy weight can have numerous benefits including improved blood glucose control and insulin sensitivity, decreased stress on bones, decreased blood pressure, better cardiovascular health, increased stamina, improved self-image, and a longer and happier life!
Where do I begin?
Lifestyle changes such as diet and physical activity are the best choices for weight loss. The primary ways to lose and maintain your weight are:
- Pay a visit to your doctor to inform them of your new commitment to health
- Manage your diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables and healthy soy foods
- Exercise every day
- Reduce your caloric intake!
- Minimize stress
- Consume Omega-3 fatty acids and other powerful antioxidants
- Don’t use tobacco products or abuse alcohol
- Control your blood pressure and cholesterol
- Get regular screenings
- Keep the weight off!
How do I keep it off?
Stay faithful to your program! Engage in regular physical activity, reduce sedentary activities, practice a healthy diet, and don’t exceed your caloric intake requirements. Consult with your doctor before beginning your exercise program, but by and large your plan should include a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity every day. To sustain weight loss in adulthood, make sure not to consume more calories than you require, and continue to participate in moderate-intensity cardiovascular and muscular exercise. Make sure your diet includes soy protein, which will aid in weight management. Genisoy has a variety of healthy protein foods and snacks including Ultra Soy Protein Bars, Soytato Chips, Organic Bars, Smart Hearts and Crispy Dippers. These are just to name a few!
What the experts say:
In addition to aiding with weight loss, soy foods fit into the USDA Dietary Guidelines as a healthy source of protein. Soy foods contain no cholesterol, little or no saturated fat, high quality protein, and dietary fiber. Many soy foods also provide essential vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, vitamins A and D, calcium, iron, and potassium that our bodies need to stay healthy and active. So what is the bottom line? Experts recommend a diet complete with soy protein !
More Information:
If you are looking for more information about soy and weight management, please see the links below.
www.soyfoods.org; www.health.gov; www.mypyramid.gov;
