Q:  Why is protein important for those following healthy weight loss diets?

A:  Protein builds new lean muscle, which burns calories in the process.  Someone who is following a healthy eating plan and reducing daily calorie intake needs to make sure protein is still part of their diet.  Basically, the less calories a person consumes, the bigger percentage of those calories should come from protein.

Protein also dulls hunger and may help prevent obesity and diabetes.  All of these functions of protein are reasons why every adult should increase their protein consumption, but especially those who are following healthy weight loss diets.