Want to stick to a healthy diet? Then eat more protein

A study conducted by specialists from Rutgers University showed that during a diet, more

Healthy foods are chosen by those who consume sufficient amounts of protein. It has also been found to help prevent muscle loss. Discuss

Analysis of all received by scientists from the UniversityRutgers data showed that even a small increase in the amount of protein in the diet (for example, from 18 to 20 percent) affects a person's food choices. The results of this study were published in the scientific journal Obesity.

In particular, it turned out that people losing weightwho adhered to a certain diet, with an increase in protein intake, began to eat more green vegetables and less – refined grains, added sugar.

In total, the study analyzeddata from more than 200 women and men who participated in clinical trials at Rutgers University. The age of the subjects was 24-75 years, all of them were overweight. They had to lose weight by eating a 500-calorie deficit diet. At the same time, nutrition experts advised them to allocate 18 percent of their kilocalories to lean protein (legumes, dairy products, poultry, unprocessed red meat, fish), and the rest – for fruits, vegetables, whole grains.

The team of scientists also divided all the participants intotwo groups based on their approach to protein intake. Those who ate a diet of 18 percent protein foods were characterized as the low protein group. Those who added 20 percent protein to their diets were considered the high protein group.

As a result, it turned out that both groups lostapproximately 5 percent of weight in six months. However, people in the high-protein group ate healthier foods (especially green vegetables and less sugar and refined grains) and lost less muscle mass.

News stories cannot be equated with a doctor's prescription. Before making a decision, consult a specialist.