‘Always eat your protein first’ has always been one of the golden rules of the Perricone lifestyle. Reach for that shrimp cocktail or smoked salmon appetizer first—and instead of starting with a salad, start with your salmon or chicken first, followed by your green salad and vegetables. Why? Because by eating your protein first at every meal you are helping suppress your appetite. Proteins are digested much more slowly than carbohydrates—even carbohydrates that are high in fiber. Also protein is neutral in terms of its effect on blood sugar.
Save the fresh fruit for the end of the meal. This way, you will prevent the natural sugars found in the fruit from causing a spike in blood sugar. Our goal is to avoid spikes in blood sugar which trigger insulin release. Remember this fact: insulin release = stored fat!
So be sure to eat your protein first at each meal and snack to help suppress the appetite.
What are your favorite proteins?
Thanks for this reminder! I always try to keep it in mind when I eat!
I am a true believer of protein.. I’ve adjusted my diet to 30 grams in the morning and most meals.. lost 10 pounds and in the best shape of my life!
I understand it’s also good to eat protein first so you trigger the digestive enzymes which break it down. If you eat carbs first, you will cause those enzymes to secrete first. And you really want the protein to be digested!
Salmon is my favorite protein,followed by grass fed chicken and eggs. Thanks Dr Perricone!
I saw you on PBS and read your first book. To this day I am an eat protein first person, although after a heart attack, I am a “Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease” protein eater. Thank you, Dr. Perricone.