When you are on any kind of health kick you are often told to look into your protein first and foremost. You want to go to the gym, right? Well, your trainer will tell you all about the benefits of protein and they will talk you through how you can best support your training. Almost everyone agrees, therefore, that protein is one of the most important things to concentrate on when you are on a health and wellness journey.

From swapping your snacks from chips to deer jerky, to adding protein powders to your morning smoothie, there are plenty of ways that you can maximize your protein intake and improve your health. You have to consider focusing more on your protein intake than anything else and we’ve got some of the best reasons to go ahead and do that.

1. Protein can help to curb your hunger. When you are trying to get fitter and healthier, your appetite really can hold you back. If you have a large appetite, then adding more protein to your daily intake will help to keep you fuller for longer. After all, that’s the entire point of protein! It helps to fill that hunger gap and it can make you feel better about yourself in the end. The urge to binge will slow right down!
   
2. You’ll improve and increase your muscle mass and strength. When you’re at the gym, you want to do everything possible to improve your strength and build muscle mass. Eating the adequate amount of protein will help you to build your strength and you can really start seeing those gains. There are plenty of studies to show you that protein will increase your muscle mass and you should really think about speaking to a trainer about it!
   
3. It’s great for your bones. There is a myth out there that an abundance of protein will be bad for your bones. The opposite is in fact true; it’s great for building up your bones and you will see major benefits for bone health. It’s so important for women, especially, who are at risk of osteoporosis. If you eat enough protein you won’t have to worry about bone mass maintenance because it’s the natural consequence!
   
4. Reducing your late-night snacking. Food cravings are not the same thing as regular hunger, but when you are lacking in protein you will notice that your cravings are reduced. You will find it hard to control cravings but when you up your protein through your meals, snacks and shakes, you’ll find it far easier to manage.
   
5. You will increase fat burning. Your body uses calories to digest the nutrients in food, and eating boosts your metabolism for a while. Not all foods are created equal, though, and protein has a much higher thermic effect on the body compared to fat or carbs. With a higher protein intake, you’ll find burning fat much more effective and that fat will convert to muscle tissue!