The One Thing You Should Add To Your Diet Over 40 To Lose Weight Safely, According To A Study

"Doctors hesitate to recommend weight loss for fear that losing muscle and bone could cause mobility issues or increase the risk of injury," Beavers explained of the research. "This study suggests that a diet high in protein and low in calories can give seniors the health benefits of weight loss while keeping the muscle and bone they need for better quality of life as they age."

Beavers and her team conducted a six-month study, in which 96 participants over the age of sixty were assigned a specific diet plan. Half of the participants ate a low-calorie diet with more than 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight (along with adequate calcium and vitamin D), while the other group ate 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.

And the researchers discovered the true power of protein. The participants following the low-calorie, high-protein meal plan lost an average 18 pounds, while preserving muscle mass. Compared to the control group, who only lost about half a pound, this is an impressive outcome.

Plus, the study found that the participants who lost weight still maintained bone mass, which can be a concern for older adults trying to lose weight.

If you're ready to start packing on the protein for a healthier lifestyle, we know just where you should start. Check out these recipes for easy weeknight dinners, or maybe get your protein fix earlier in the day with this breakfast recipe.