Tip 3: Eat a Protein Meal or Snack Within 30 Minutes of Exercise

Immediately after exercise, our bodies crave protein to build muscle.  Building muscle is one of the five most important benefits of exercise (the others are burning calories, improving cardiovascular fitness, reducing stress, and having fun). Lean muscle increases the rate at which calories are burned, the number of calories that are burned, and increases our strength and fitness.    Research shows that consuming a protein meal within 30 minutes after exercise increases the utilization of protein to build lean muscle, allowing you to build extra muscle after your workout by doing no more than lifting your hand to your mouth.