Tag: Calories vs protein

Weight loss fundamentally relies on a calorie deficit, but studies show that prioritizing protein significantly influences the quality of that weight loss by preserving muscle mass. Understanding this relationship is key to deciding whether to focus on calories or protein for your personal goals.

Protein has a higher thermic effect than fat or carbohydrates, meaning the body burns more calories digesting it. But for overall health, determining which is important, calories or protein, depends heavily on specific fitness and wellness goals.

According to research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a high-protein diet in a calorie deficit can spare muscle mass, but is it enough? The truth is, to maximize muscle gain, you need both calories and protein working synergistically with your training.