Dietician
Karolina Dobrowolska-Zrałka
In recent years, there has been a belief that protein powder, especially protein added to porridge, "fattening" more than carbohydrates or fats. This is a false myth that was born on fitness and social media forums, fueled by simplified headers and clickbait influencers' entries. In practice, protein plays a completely different role: it is a basic building block of tissues, enzymes and hormones, and its processing consumes a significant part of energy from protein itself. Postprandial thermogenesis, i.e. energy expenditure on digestion, is up to 30 %of calories consumed for protein, while carbohydrates require only 5-10 %, and fats only 0-3 %. Protein porridge - a combination of whole grain oatmeal and high -quality protein isolate - is a meal that stabilizes blood sugar levels, maintains the feeling of satiety and supports muscle regeneration after exercise. In the rest of the article we will overthrow the most common myths: we will show where the view about "fattening protein" came from, explain the mechanisms of thermogenesis and metabolic changes of amino acids, compare the calorific value of protein, carbohydrates and fats, and discuss how to compose porridge effectively, so that it supports body weight and anabolic processes. And if you are looking for a ready, tested solution, see ours protein porridge - Created to supply building material and energy without excess calories.
Where did the myth come from that the protein is fat?
The myth of "fattening protein" has several sources. First of all, in the 1990s, protein nutrients were often high -fat and contained large amounts of carbohydrates in the form of maltodextrin, which intensified caloric content. Secondly, simplified entries on forums and social media mixed the concepts: calories = fat, protein = calories. Someone who consumed 100 g of protein provided 400 kcal, but did not realize that the same caloric value would come from 100 g of carbohydrates or only 44 g of fat. Thirdly, some amateur high -protein diets were used without caloric control, which in combination with lack of physical activity actually led to the energy surplus and mass increase. The conviction recorded in this way gained their popularity, and the influencers willingly repeated them because they aroused emotions and generated commitment. The truth is, however, that the protein itself does not accumulate in the form of fat, if the comprehensive supply of calories is controlled and balanced.
The role of protein in the slimming process
Protein is the most important macronutrient in a reduction diet. Its processing requires more energy (TEF postprandial thermogenesis), which means that from 100 kcal from protein the body will use from 20 to 30 kcal, while carbohydrates only 5-10 kcal, and only 0–3 kcal from fats. Thanks to this, high -protein diets are conducive to fat loss and muscle protection. In addition, protein stimulates the secretion of satiety hormones, such as GLP-1 and Pyy, which helps to control the appetite. Protein porridge combines the benefits of beta-glucan oats (free release of glucose, prebiotic action) with high biological value of protein, which gives a sense of satiety for many hours. Regular consumption of such porridge reduces the temptation of snacking and supports hormonometabolic stabilization of the body.
Protein metabolism and weight gain
Protein amino acids are used for synthesis of structural and enzymatic proteins. When the body has an excess of amino acids, they are deamine-removing the amina group-and coal goes to gluconeogenesis or is transformed into acetyl-coa. Only in conditions of chronic caloric surplus and active path of lipogenesis de novo (transformation of sugars and amino acids in fats) energy storage in the form of triglycerides occurs. In a typical reduction diet, where summary consumption is less than energy expenditure, protein rarely becomes a substrate for lipogenesis. In other words, for the protein "fattening", you need to eat its excess with the excess of calories at the same time - a rare situation if we care about a caloric deficit.
Does excess protein really accumulate in adipose tissue?
Metabolic experiments have shown that with a sufficient energy deficit, excess protein in the diet is used first to produce glucose and energy, and only a small part can be converted to fat. Clinical studies indicate that lipogenesis de novo of amino acids accounts for less than 5 % of the total increase in triglycerides. In practice, this means that protein in powder or porridge mixture rarely goes to adipose tissues, provided that we do not exceed our energy demand.
Comparison: protein vs fat vs carbohydrates for caloric content
Each gram of protein and carbohydrates gives 4 kcal, while I play fat - 9 kcal. The key difference, however, is the thermal cost of digestion: protein - 20-30 %, carbohydrates - 5-10 %, fats - 0–3 %. This means that by consuming 100 kcal protein, as many as 20-30 kcal are consumed for its digestion, and only 70-80 kcal goes to the overall energy balance. In the case of 100 kcal from fat to the balance sheet goes 97-100 kcal. Therefore, high -protein diets are more favorable in the context of weight control - part of the energy is "burned" in the digestion process.
Myths about building muscle mass by protein porridge
Protein porridge provides amino acids, including leucine, crucial for activation of MTOR - the main regulator of muscle protein synthesis. However, without proper strength training, there is no question of significant hypertrophy. Amateurs who ate a large amount of protein and expected to increase muscle mass without exercises, were disappointed - it is not the amount of protein, but the synergy of protein and mechanical load determines muscle growth. Protein porridge is a perfect regenerative meal, but it will not replace training in itself.
When can the protein harm? Facts and exceptions
In people with kidney failure, consumption> 2 g/kg MC per day can be burdened with glomerular filtration. Excess protein can also intensify bloating and constipation, especially with fluid and fiber deficiency. Some amino acids in the form of free peptides may interact with drugs (e.g. tetracyclines). Therefore, sick people or taking medicines should consult protein supplementation with a doctor.
Incorrect beliefs from social media - how to defend yourself?
To verify sensational theses, ask: "Has this clinical trial?", "What is the metabolic mechanism?", "Does the meta -analysis confirm this hypothesis?" Avoid repeating influencers headers without sources. Use pubmed.gov, ACSM and EFSA recommendations, instead of trusting the anonymous entries in the forums.
Expert opinions and scientific research results
The meta -analysis in the "Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition" proves that high -protein diets are conducive to fat loss and muscle protection. The EFSA report (2021) recognizes protein consumption up to 1.6 g/kg MC/D as safe for healthy adults. Studies in "Frontiers in Nutrition" show the minimum risk of de novo lipogenesis from amino acids under normal dietary conditions.
How to compose porridge to support health and figure?
Use proportions: 40 g of petals, 20 g protein isolate, 1 tablespoon of fat (peanut butter or MCT), 200 ml of liquid and functional additives (blueberry, cinnamon, chia seeds). Such a meal will provide about 350 kcal: 30 g of protein, 30 g of carbohydrates and 12 g of fat, guaranteeing satiety and thermogenic effect, without excess energy.
FAQ - the most common questions about porridge protein and weight gain
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Is the protein from porridge fat?
No - with moderate calorie supply, the protein favors thermogenesis and satiety, not the accumulation of fat.
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Does excess protein accumulate in fat?
Only in conditions of significant caloric and active lipogenesis de novo; With moderate consumption, this is unlikely.
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How many calories does protein vs fat vs carbohydrates have?
1 g of protein and 1 g of carbohydrates provides 4 kcal, 1 g fat - 9 kcal, and the protein has the highest thermal cost of digestion.
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Does protein porridge build muscles?
Yes, it provides amino acids and leucine, but without strength training it will not cause significant hypertrophy.
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When can the protein be harmful?
With kidney failure or consumption> 2 g/kg, MC/D can burden the kidneys and cause food discomfort.
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How to verify protein information?
Reach for meta -analysis, scientific publications and guidelines of societies (ACSM, EFSA) instead of memes and clickbaits.
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Which porridge should you choose so as not to gain weight?
Proportions 40 % carbohydrates, 30 % protein, 30 % fat with low Ig additives - fruit, thermogenic spices.
Sources
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition - the influence of protein on postprandial thermogenesis.
- Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition - amino acid metabolism.
- European Food Safety Authority - safety of the use of protein nutrients.
- Frontiers in Nutrition - lipogenesis de novo with amino acids.
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health - comparison of macronutrients.
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