Be Pro-Protein

Protein has long been touted as the way to go if you’re trying to lose weight. Studies show that high protein meals (along with low to moderate carb intake) are more effective in weight loss than high carb or low fat meals.

But protein also increases your lean body mass. If you are weight training as part of your fitness / weight loss plan (and you should be), then you need protein.

When you lift weights, you tear your muscles down. When they repair, they grow stronger and you build muscle. However, the muscles need protein to repair so if you’re not feeding them, then they’re not repairing properly and you’re lifting in vein.

Whether you want to lose weight or increase lean body mass, you need to consume between 0.7-1 grams of protein per pound of body weight.

Whey protein is best since it is low in fat and is fast-absorbing. If you’re vegetarian, you can get your protein from soy, which also contains a high concentration of estrogenic compounds!

Women are usually afraid of taking excessive protein in the forms of shakes or bars because they think they will get bulky, but big muscle gains are pretty difficult to attain for most women, so it’s pretty unlikely you’ll look like Arnold Schwarzenegger’s long-lost, twin sister.