All full–of frustration

The 19th annual European Congress on Obesity was held last month. And one of the studies presented there got me so worked up, I can’t help but vent…

Researchers looked at different types of protein breakfasts. They refer to them as high-quality protein breakfasts verses lower-quality protein breakfasts. They found that a high-quality protein lead to greater satiety and a lower calorie intake at lunchtime. Good stuff. No surprises there.

But here’s what kills me…they reported that eggs at breakfast were considered a high-quality breakfast compared to a lower-quality protein such as cereal. And apparently, investigators were “surprised” by the results!

Since when did we start classifying cerealas a protein?! And why on Earth should the investigators be “surprised?”  It’s time to wake up and smell the coffee!

Grains may have some protein content…which many vegetarians and vegans like to say. But it’s time to face the facts: There is not enough protein in anything vegetarian to be considered a source of “protein.” And that’s the main problem I have with being vegetarian.

Not only is a vegetable-only diet too low in B vitamins and healthy fats…but they’re also too low in protein. And fake soy protein doesn’t cut it. There is simply not enough scientific evidence to support the use of soy protein in lieu of animal protein as a source that is healthy for human beings.

Aside from the mischaracterization of cereal as a protein, the study above helps prove that animal protein is better than plant protein. And eggs are among the best.

Yet, far too many people still think eggs are bad for you!

Eggs have a biological value of 100 and are considered the golden standard for protein, because they provide ALL 10 essential amino acids. Wheat protein has a biological value of 42. So I ask, is there any comparison?

But, back to the point of this conversation which is that protein keeps you fuller, longer.  We should all know that. Think about it…how much fuller do you feel after eating an omelet for breakfast, than when you’ve eaten pancakes? Now, at least we have another study to tell us why.

In this study, the two breakfasts that the participants were fed were matched for weight, calories, and percentage of carbohydrate, protein and fat. The main difference was the source of the protein.

Participants reported feeling fuller following the egg breakfast. And tests of their hunger hormone levels tell us why. Levels of the hunger-signaling hormone ghrelin were significantly lower and levels of the hormone that signals fullness, PYY3-36, were significantly higher. Also, the actual food intake of participants was considerably lower during the egg breakfast week than during the cereal week.

So, if you still need it, here’s more ammunition to tell your doctor to pipe down when it comes to how you want to lose weight–the New Hamptons Health Miracle way!