The real skinny on protein and belly fat

Today let’s talk about the real skinny on protein and belly fat, from page 67 of Christine Avanti’s book, “Skinny Chicks Don’t Eat Salads…Stop starving, Start Eating…And Losing!”

Researchers at the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University in Copenhagen found that women and men who consumed at least 25 percent of their daily calories as protein lost 10 percent more belly fat than those who consumed just 12 percent of their calories as protein. This is important news, because belly fat is a danger sign of poor health. It turns out this kind of fat (called visceral fat) releases harmful hormones, turns into cholesterol in the bloodstream (which eventually turns into artery-clogging plaque), secretes substances that cause inflammation, and decreases the body’s sensitivity to insulin. Although researchers are not exactly sure why eating more protein reduces belly fat, one theory says that it’s possible that protein intake may trigger smaller releases of the stress hormone cortisol, which directs the body to store fat in the tummy area. Less Cortisol, less muffin top!

As Christine says, with good nutrition you will like the way you look and you’ll LOVE the way you feel!