10 Reasons Protein Is Even More Important for Women

Experienced exercisers know the importance of protein, and while physiques are fine-tuned in the gym, they’re really assembled at mealtime. But adequate protein is more than the ticket to a sleeker, fitter physique. It turns out chowing down on those aminos could be even more important for women when it comes to appearance and long-term health. And an increasing amount of research is highlighting the importance of protein to the female diet, especially among active women.

We’ve got 10 reasons why protein is the macro-nutrient (aka a big category of nutrients like protein, carbs, or fat) that deserves your love this month — and all months moving forward.

(Think you might be slacking in the protein category? Don’t worry, we’ve included tons of great options for upping healthy protein intake throughout!)

1. Protein Is Better at Keeping Women Lean

The Atkins Diet made bacon-lovers rejoice, but not all of us are ravenous carnivores (can’t we all just get along?). But there was definitely something to the trend: Cutting back on carbs and replacing those calories with protein contributes to a decrease in fat tissue.

And research suggests that effect is significantly more pronounced in women (who typically have a higher percentage of body fat) than in men¹. Perhaps another reason to celebrate the power of cheesecake.

2. Protein Controls Hunger All Day

Quick! What was your go-to breakfast as a kid? If a basically-candy cereal is the first answer that pops into your head, chances are it’s time to recalibrate the morning routine.

Eating a high-protein meal early in the day — Greek yogurt with fresh fruit, for example — triggers a hormonal response that helps keep hunger at bay all day². Chow down early to control eating often.

3. And It Will Keep You Fuller, Longer

Protein’s magic formula for satiety really works in two ways: It controls appetite later on and promotes a greater feeling of fullness than carbs or fat³. Basically, that means a food high in protein takes less to get you feeling full.

4. Protein Makes Your Body Burn More Calories

When compared to a higher-carb diet, higher-protein diets tend to trigger more thermogenesis (say that five times fast)⁴. Greater thermogenesis is generally what’s referred to when someone talks about a “faster metabolism,” and more protein can signal the body to burn more calories before, during, and after meals.

5. It’s Good for Bone Health

Women are at an especially high risk of bone degeneration. So while protein often gets a bad rep as being bad-for-the-bones, it turns out this macronutrient is actually vital to proper calcium absorption and bone growth⁵. For the lactose-tolerant, that means dairy gives a great one-two punch of calcium and a full protein, all in one food. Many tasty protein supplements are also high in calcium and great on the go!

6. Protein Fights Off Aging

As we age, our bodies tend to lose muscle mass. Eating more protein — along with regular exercise, including resistance training — can help our bodies maintain and build muscles to keep us going strong well into the golden years⁶. Make sure to grab a protein shake or other high-protein snack post-workout to promote muscle repair!

7. Protein Protects from Stress

When we get stressed, all sorts of things go haywire on the inside: oxidative damage wreaks havoc on cells as our internal systems struggle to contain hormone influxes. But a diet high in protein — think between 0.8 and 1 grams of protein per pound of body weight, up to 50% over the “normal” recommendations for sedentary folks — can act as a buffer against this damage⁷. All systems go for protein!

8. It’s Great for Your Skin

Our skin takes a beating 24/7, and it’s especially under siege when the sun’s shining bright. UV damage takes a toll on our birthday suits and is a leading contributor to skin’s aging. Diets high in certain amino acids — the building blocks of protein — can help reduce the aging effect of outside elements like UV light (along with a quality sunscreen, of course)⁸. And BCAA (branched-chain amino acids) supplements can be an especially potent way to get those aminos conveniently.

9. It’s Also Great for Your Hair!

In order to keep growing to its fullest, hair needs a well-balanced diet — including lots of protein⁹. Experiencing slowed or no hair growth? Stress and/or a protein deficiency could be to blame.

10. It’s Delicious

Okay, so this one might be cheating, but let’s be real: Protein is a delicious part of any balanced diet. Chomping down on veggies and grains all day might seem great to a few of us, but you’re really cutting yourself off from countless great food options ranging from sweet to savory. And upping your protein intake isn’t just for the meat-eaters among us: When prepared in the right combinations, non-meat or dairy protein sources can give you all the amino acids necessary for everything from lean muscle to great hair.

Want to fit more protein into your diet? Check out the Healthy Protein Pack by the folks over at PrettyFit. It’s a box filled with no-hassle high-protein snacks, drinks, and even pancakes (!) perfect for busy, active women. Use the code “FITRX5” for $5 off today!