The Power of Protein

            Protein is one of the three main macronutrients in one’s diet, according to the site mypyramid.gov.

            “Protein is a chain of amino acids; that’s the easiest way to look at it,” said Abbie Smith, graduate teaching assistant in the health and exercise department at OU.

            Smith teaches exercise and sport nutrition, as well as fitness classes at the Huston Huffman center.

            Smith said that all animal proteins are considered “high-quality proteins.” This includes not only meat but eggs, dairy, and cheese as well.

            “Protein influences a lot of things, “ Smith said. “Typically we think of it related to lean body mass, but it’s also really important for weight loss and weight maintenance.”

            Smith said that protein is highly thermogenic, which means that it takes more calories to burn off protein than carbohydrates. Not getting enough protein can lead to decreased satiety and a loss of lean body mass, which is usually replaced by fat mass, Smith said.

            Smith recommends that college students should get 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight per day. She observes that most students aren’t getting enough protein.

            “You have to be very conscious about it," Smith said. “ The basic rule of thumb that I tell people is to have protein at every snack or meal.  Have the protein be the main source of the meal, and then the carbs and veggies are easier to come by.
            Smith also recommends that students stock up on protein-filled snacks like nuts and peanut butter that can be eaten on-the-go.

Interview with Abbie Smith can be found below.