Protein supplements provide the building blocks for muscle growth. Protein contains amino acids your body needs to build muscle (remember if you build muscle you’ll burn more fat). It is the most important nutrient for the creation of new muscle tissue. If your diet lacks the proper amount of protein, your body cannot make more muscle tissue. Worse yet, if you train hard and don't get the proper amount of protein, you can lose muscle tissue! In addition to its role in building and maintaining muscle, it satiates hunger so you won’t be tempted to overeat.

The most common protein supplements are whey, egg, soy and casein. All four of these protein supplements have different characteristics and are used differently depending on what you're trying to achieve. For example, whey is a perfect protein supplement to take immediately after a workout because it is digested relatively fast and can provide essential amino acids to the muscles quickly. While they are all different to some degree, they have two things in common: they help build lean muscle and aid in losing weight.

Protein supplements are relatively inexpensive, are incredibly convenient and are extremely effective. They should be the first items on your list if you are serious about building lean muscle and shedding fat!