A low-protein diet is great for accelerating muscle loss while in a caloric deficit.
High-protein diets, on the other hand…
Are more effective at reducing body fat, including abdominal fat in particular.
Help preserve lean mass.
Increase satiety, helping you avoid hunger pangs and cravings.
The abundance of research available on high-protein dieting makes it very clear that it’s simply a superior way to diet for weight loss, and especially if you’re exercising as well.
How much protein should you be eating, then?
Research has shown that protein should comprise approximately 30% of your daily calories, but going as high as 40-50% is okay as well. For most people, that comes out to be about 1 – 1.2 grams of protein per pound of body weight.