Protein and fiber are vital for healthy weight loss. Are you getting enough? Your minimum protein intake for weight loss should be 1/2 to 3/4 of your ideal body weight in grams of protein per day. To maximize muscle metabolism, you need protein high in branched-chain amino acids, especially leucine. Unlike any other amino acid, leucine directly communicates to insulin, instructing it to work efficiently in muscle. This not only helps preserve your muscle mass as you lose weight, but also helps your muscles use glucose as fuel, in turn supporting healthy insulin function. Additionally, whey protein helps leptin enter your brain more ...