We need protein in our diet  to stay strong and healthy. If we don't eat enough our bodies will steal it from our muscles and organs. In fact, protein is essential for the development of our muscles, which lead to an increase in the burning of calories. Our muscles could be described as fat furnaces as they keep our metabolism running high.

And protein is very good at curbing appetite and balancing blood sugar in contrast to many "fast release" carbohydrate based foods and snacks.

Too many fast releasing carbohydrates lead to weight gain

Traditionally we were taught that carbohydrates should provide our body with its primary supply of energy. However, many people have confused fast releasing carbohydrates (pasta, cakes) and slow releasing carbohydrates (whole grains, vegetables) eating too many of the former-the tempting, convenient, tasty variety! Most of us lead sedentary lives, so any excess energy from carbohydrate-rich food) is stored as fat.

Cereals and toast for breakfast, jacket potato for lunch, pasta for dinner and rice cakes and biscuits for snacks?!

How can Herbal Vitality help me?

If you tried to get all the protein you need from foods such as meats, you would consume too many calories, because these protein rich foods come with extra fat calories.

Protein-enriched Meal Replacement Shakes, Protein Supplement Powder and High Protein Low Carbohydrate snack products, contain protein sources which are easily absorbed and assimilated, and which allow you to reach your body's protein requirements without those unwanted calories.

Easy and convenient to follow the programme, so will fit into a busy lifestyle. For example, easy to take a shake for breakfast (in milk or juice or yoghurt) to help balance blood sugar levels, rather than skip breakfast altogether. Its fast food for smart people!

How do I include protein in my daily diet?

If your target is 100g of protein per day, here's an example of how you can consume 100g every day

And for those concerned about Cholesterol levels? The inclusion of at least 25g Soya protein per day as part a diet low in saturated fats can help reduce blood cholesterol. Two shakes provide 17.8 g of soya protein(71% of the suggested intake of 25 g). An additional 7.2 grams may be obtained from other foods, such as soy plus a  serving of Soy nuts( 10.6 g soya protein per 90g serving or  Protein  supplement powder (4.5g soya protein/6g serving) can provide over 25g of soya protein.

Protein comes in the form of meat, soy products, cheese and dairy products. However, most of these are in the form of animal proteins, which add greatly to the bad cholesterol in our bodies. Therefore we need to look for high quality proteins, in our diet, from non-animal sources.