The truthful scoop

Whether you’re trying to lose weight or to just stay healthy, you probably already know that protein is key, because it helps to build muscle and keeps you feeling full. But before you down your next protein shake, consider this: new research suggests some protein shakes could actually hinder your health goals, rather than help. That’s because certain protein powders can interfere with the natural happy hormones in your brain. Ultimately, this can dull your mood and drive your appetite, leading you to overeat. So, put down the protein shake and opt for a variety of real-food proteins instead. FYI, that’s not just meat, but seafood, eggs and nuts, as well as chickpeas, beans and lentils.