10 Protein Tricks for Burning Fat You'll Love, From a Nutritionist
Losing weight can feel like an uphill battle, especially when food cravings keep derailing your progress. But what if the key to weight loss isn't cutting carbs or sugar but simply eating more protein?
Lillie Kane, a Certified Nutrition Health Coach and metabolism specialist with over 300,000 YouTube subscribers, believes the solution lies in prioritizing protein. With expertise in micronutrients, longevity, and biohacking, she shares how eating the right amount of protein can help you curb cravings, feel full, and achieve sustainable weight loss.
If you've been struggling with diets that don't work, read on to discover 10 protein-packed tricks to take control of your health and "start small and win big."
Protein Deficiency Causes Overeating
"One of the biggest reasons people overeat is because they're deficient in protein," says Lillie in her post. Research supports this, showing that humans continue eating until their bodies get enough protein. When your meals lack protein, your body doesn't signal fullness, leaving you hungry and prone to overeating.
"If I eat salad, a donut, and an apple, none of those foods provide enough protein. My body will still scream, 'Keep eating!' because I haven't satisfied its protein needs," Lillie explains.
Start Small to Increase Protein
Eating more protein doesn't mean overhauling your diet overnight. "It would be unrealistic to double or triple your protein intake tomorrow," says Lillie. Instead, she recommends easing into it: "Start small by adding more protein to each meal, and let your body adapt over time."
Even increasing your daily protein intake to 90 grams is a great starting point. "Small steps add up, and your body will thank you," she says.
Eat 1 Gram of Protein Per Pound of Ideal Weight
Lillie's golden rule is to aim for one gram of protein per pound of your ideal body weight. "If your goal weight is 130 pounds, aim for at least 130 grams of protein daily," she advises. For many, this target ensures enough protein to stay full and prevent cravings.
"Protein is essential for building muscle, repairing tissues, and keeping you alive. It also signals to your brain that you're full," she adds.
Make Protein Your Craving Crusher
Protein isn't just filling—it can help you cut down on sugar cravings. "If someone tells me they can't stop eating sugar, my first thought is, they're not getting enough protein," Lillie explains. Once you're full on protein, sugary treats become less tempting.
She compares it to leaving an all-you-can-eat buffet: "When you're so full your buttons are popping off, if I offered you a donut, you'd say, 'I can't even look at food right now.' That's the power of being full on protein."
Know Your Protein Portions
For portion sizes, Lillie suggests a quick visual guide: "Four to five ounces of most raw meats equals roughly 30 grams of protein. That's about the size of your palm—without the fingers."
Examples include chicken breast, salmon, pork chops, or ground beef. "This simple trick can help you estimate your protein intake and stay on track," she says.
Build High-Protein Meals
Lillie offers practical ideas for creating protein-packed meals:
Breakfast: "Try a three-egg omelet with cheese and salmon or sausage. If you're in a rush, Greek yogurt with fruit is a great option."
Lunch: "Air-fried pork chops, cucumber sandwiches with turkey and cheese, or a hearty salad topped with chicken or tuna work wonders."
Dinner: "I love shredded chicken soup with bone broth, eggs, and bacon bits—it's warm, filling, and protein-packed."
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Snack Smart with Protein
Lillie discourages frequent snacking but offers protein-rich ideas if hunger strikes. "Hard-boiled eggs, beef jerky, and cheese are great options," she says. For a creative twist, add protein powder to your coffee or crack a raw egg into it. "The hot coffee will gently cook the egg, creating a creamy texture."
The Scale Isn't Everything
As you increase protein, the scale might not reflect immediate progress. "Protein helps repair and grow muscle, so you may be losing fat while gaining muscle," Lillie explains. Instead of relying on the scale, she suggests: "Measure your waist, check how your clothes fit, or look at yourself in the mirror for a better sense of progress."
Plan for a Week of High-Protein Meals
To make things simple, Lillie shares a week's worth of meal ideas:
Day 1 Breakfast: Three-egg omelet with cheese and salmon
Day 2 Lunch: Ground beef bowl with spices
Day 3 Dinner: Baked salmon with butter and olives
"Each meal provides roughly 30 grams of protein, making it easy to hit your daily target," she says.
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Stay Consistent for Long-Term Results
"Weight loss isn't about eating healthy for a month—it's about building habits for life," says Lillie. By prioritizing protein, you'll curb cravings, feel full longer, and sustain your weight loss journey. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.
