When it comes to popular food myths, there are many half-truths floating around. Most people interested in fitness will tell you that protein is good for athletes, but they probably can’t really explain why. Today, we will give you 7 excellent reasons to eat more protein. Eating protein-rich food can help you maintain a healthy diet and improve your health.

Our top 7 reasons to eat more protein:

1. Keep hunger away

You’ve probably heard the term ‘empty calories’ mainly used when referring to junk food or sugary treats. That doesn’t necessarily mean that calories are entirely bad; they represent the raw energy your body requires to function. When choosing the right type of food to support an active lifestyle, you should try to intake enough calories; however, they are not the only thing that matters.

Different foods can make you feel more or less full after you have finished eating. Healthy food contains various nutrients that your body requires. The three most important groups or macronutrients your body needs are fats, carbs, and protein. Out of the three, protein is by far the most filling and the healthiest way to supply your body with fuel.

Protein shakes are a healthy alternative to junk food.

2. Reduce the need for junk food

Protein-rich food will not only make you feel full, but it will also help you resist the urge to reach for unhealthy snacks. Avoiding junk food is hard, like really hard. Your brain is literally hardwired to reward you with dopamine when you give in to your desires. If you are having trouble avoiding snacks, you can try to eat more protein.

A diet filled with protein can suppress your need to reach for sweet or savory treats. We recommend starting your day with a strong breakfast and remaining especially strict with yourself when it comes to late-night snacks.

Another good way to fight the urges you feel for junk food is to replace the unhealthy snacks you are munching on with a healthier alternative. Thankfully, there are numerous high-protein snacks for you to choose from, so you will never be lacking in options.

3. Increase your muscle strength

For those athletes who are serious about exercising and building muscle, protein is definitely the way to go. However, not all workout routines are the same, and if you are trying to lose weight, you might want to up your protein intake so that you don’t lose muscle mass.

Athletes on the go often need a source of protein that is compact and portable. For this reason, many choose to carry some convenient snack packs of peanut butter that they can easily snack on while training.

On the other hand, there are fitness enthusiasts who always want to train. If you are the type of athlete who is serious about working out, you can invest in a home gym and create such a space at home. In that case, you’ll have easy access to protein-rich snacks and the ability to work out whenever you want.

Nut-based food is naturally rich in protein.

4. Protein boosts your metabolism

Your body needs to burn calories in order to digest food. Based on the type of food you are eating, your body can spend more or less calories to put that food to good use. The effect this has on your body is called the thermic effect of food, and it denotes the increase in metabolic rate after you eat. Simply put, it’s how much energy is used to digest food, and protein has a high thermic effect on your metabolism. For example, fat has an estimated thermic effect of 0% - 5%, while protein can range from 20% to 30%.

If your meals are rich in protein, that can boost your metabolism into action and cause you to burn more calories. A protein breakfast is the best way to kick your body into gear for the whole day. It can give you enough energy while sending your body all the right signals.

5. Helps you lose weight

Due to the fact that protein is filling and boosts your metabolism at the same time, it can also help you lose weight. If you are maintaining a calorie-restricted diet, you should try to eat food that will aid in conserving muscle mass. In general, people who eat more protein tend to eat less food and feel better. If your goal is to lose weight and keep it off, you can eat more protein as a long-term solution. This is the best way to avoid yo-yo dieting and falling back on bad habits.

Maintain your fitness results by eating more protein.

6. Improve bone health

People who eat more protein regularly tend to retain more bone mass as they age. Animal protein was linked to an increased acid load, especially with people who ate plenty of red meat; however, recent studies debunked that myth.

Regardless, we would still recommend that you supplement your diet with plenty of vitamin D and plant and nut-based proteins to increase bone health. Additionally, protein can lower the risk of developing osteoporosis and fracturing your bones. Some careful dieting choices now could lead to a healthy old age, which is all the more reason to eat more protein.

7. Recover from injuries faster

Many people know that protein is great for muscle growth since it helps your body repair its muscle tissue after an intense workout. This is because protein is one of the main building blocks of your body. Protein can also be used to repair tissue damage after you sustain an injury. Basically, it comes down to your body needing the right ingredients to repair itself. Therefore, it makes sense to help yourself to a serving of protein-rich food after an exhausting training or sports injury.

In conclusion

Regardless of whether you are training to build muscle or dieting to lose weight, you should seriously consider increasing the amount of protein in your diet. We’ve given you 7 reasons to eat more protein; now it’s up to you to find your favorite protein foods and snacks and enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

Meta description: Not sure what food to eat for an active and healthy lifestyle? Here are 7 reasons to eat more protein to achieve your fitness goals.