There is no doubt that you’ve heard that getting enough protein is vital for fitness and good health .





But why is that exactly?





Well, today, we’ll dive deep into the critical nutrient and share with you four substantial reasons why you need to get enough protein every day.





1. It’s Vital for Muscle and Strength Gain

Numerous studies have shown that getting enough protein is vital for muscle gain. This is because protein provides us with the building blocks we need to build muscle - amino acids.





So, it’s not just important to ‘eat big’ (misleading advice) - we also need to get enough protein, so the body has the required amino acids for repairing itself and growing bigger and stronger.





2. It Helps Control Appetite and Cravings

Among the three macronutrients - protein, carbs, and dietary fats - protein is the most satiating one. What’s more, protein appears to help us control our hunger and cravings.

Research has shown that folks who get enough protein experience less hunger and fewer cravings for junk food. Plus, getting enough protein is vital while dieting as its effects on appetite make it much easier for us to stick to a calorie-restricted diet.

3. It Indirectly Aids in Weight Loss

Once you consume food, your body expends some calories to break it down, absorb its nutrients, and dispose of what remains. This is known as the thermic effect of food.





Both carbohydrates (e.g., rice, pasta, bread, candy, and more) and dietary fats (contained in foods such as oils, avocado, eggs, etc.) have a thermic effect of five to fifteen percent. Meaning, for every 100 calories of carbs or fats you consume, you can expect your body to burn 5 to 15 calories to use them.

Protein, on the other hand, has a thermic effect of 20 to 35 percent. Meaning, for the same 100 calories, your body will expend 20 to 35 calories to use it.

So, by getting more protein, you effectively bump your metabolic rate and burn a bit more calories without having to do anything.





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4. It’s Vital For Muscle Maintenance While Dieting

And speaking of weight loss, protein is a vital nutrient while dieting as it helps us preserve our muscle mass.





As we diet, the body begins to break down body fat and muscle tissue to get the remaining calories it needs to function correctly.





Aside from practicing regular strength training, getting enough protein is another vital factor for muscle maintenance as it provides the body with the building blocks it needs to repair our muscles and keep them around.





What To Do Next

Well, we need to get enough protein every day, and not just for muscle growth, but for its many other benefits.





The issue is, getting enough protein can be tricky sometimes. Plus, having to eat cottage cheese and meat all day doesn’t sound appealing.





Protein powders are a great way to get extra protein and hit your daily needs without any problem.