Did you know that you burn calories when you eat? You do. In fact, the actual process of digesting and storing food is a primary component of your total daily energy expenditure. Researchers call it the thermic effect of food (TEF).
Foods that Burn More Calories
While you burn calories digesting any food, there are some foods that burn more calories than others. When you eat a meal that is high in protein, you burn more calories from TEF than when you eat a meal that is high in carbohydrates or high in fat. Simply put, your body has to work harder to break down and store protein than it does to break down and store carbohydrates and fat.
So does that mean you should eat a high protein diet to lose weight? Not necessarily. Proteinprovides many benefits to people who are trying to lose weight. But overeating protein can cause weight gain. And it may cause you to neglect other important nutrients, like carbohydrates and healthy fats. Those foods help provide energy so that you stay active throughout the day.
How Many More Calories Can I Burn?
The calories you burn from eating and digesting food make up only 5 -10% of your daily calorie expenditure. So in the end, the difference between eating a high protein meal and eating a high carbohydrate meal is probably not going to make or break your diet. The thermic effect of food is an important component of your total caloric expenditure, but trying to change it is not the most effective way to lose weight.
However, if the increased TEF of protein serves as a reminder to build healthy meals around lean protein, then your weight loss program may benefit in the long run. Protein helps you to stay full and satisfied after eating and helps you to build muscle mass to maintain to keep a healthy metabolism as you slim down. These benefits can help any dieter find success on the scale and keep the weight off for good.