Any growth promoting process that occurs in your body requires protein. It is the single most abundant substance in the body, next to water.

It is in every organ in your body. It is essential for blood, hormone, and enzyme production, as well as optimal immune system function.

Protein is required for optimal muscle tissue growth and repair. The more muscle you have, the more protein you require. Resistance training places a huge demand for protein by the body.

If you do not supply your body with enough protein, it will take it from your muscles, which is called catabolism (muscle breakdown). If you go any length of time without eating, your body will attack muscle tissue for its protein requirements.

Your body literally starts to "break itself down" It is a must to supply your body with adequate protein every three to four hours. This ensures your body of maintaining adequate levels.

Protein can be obtained from whole food and from protein supplements. Try to get your protein from whole food sources first.

However, eating whole food sources high in protein every three to four hours can be difficult. This is where the protein supplements like whey protein shakes or meal replacements come in handy.

As far as whole food sources, get your protein from lean sources like chicken, turkey, fish, lean red meats, eggs, milk, soy products, and legumes.

As far as protein supplements, the most effective protein source with the highest biological value (it is utilized most effectively by the body) is whey protein. When purchasing a protein product, stick with a quality company and use a quality whey protein shake or whey and milk-derived meal replacement powder. These will help ensure your body gets its protein requirements.

If you want to speed up fat loss and muscle gains, try replacing one or two of your whole food meals with a protein shake. It's a quick and easy way to cut out calories while increasing your protein intake.

If you're serious about building muscle, you need to make sure you're getting enough protein in your daily diet.