Earlier this week, The New York Times  reported that a group of scientists had established a workout and diet plan that can “shed fat rapidly while hanging on to or even augmenting muscle.”

Here’s the catch though, the study had two groups of men reduce their calorie-count by about 40%, and had them vigorously working out six days a week for a month. This isn’t really sustainable for the average person. However, there is some really interesting information we can take away from this study!

In one group the participants diet’s consisted of 15% protein, 35% fat, and 50% carbs. The other group, switched up the fat and protein intake, with 35% protein, and 15% fat.  The results – both groups lost between 11-12 on average, but the one that ate more protein,  gained an average of 3 pounds of muscle!

Why? Well in short, “amino acids in protein help muscle tissue to maintain itself and to grow.”

Lesson learned: Make sure you’re getting enough protein in your diet!

Read the full article here: A Diet and Exercise Plan to Lose Weight and Gain Muscle