What 1 Trainer Says We All Need to Eat More of to Lose Weight

POPSUGAR Photography | Jae Payne
POPSUGAR Photography | Jae Payne

It's time to add another voice to the ongoing debate of whether or not breakfast is an absolute must when it comes to weight loss. While Marie Purvis might not be a household name — not yet, anyway! — if you use the Nike Training Club app (free), then you've probably worked out alongside her and know how effective she is at pushing the body. Not only is Marie a Nike Master Trainer, but she is also responsible for designing the sweat-inducing, full-body workouts you'll find on the app. Marie's breakfast mantra? "Thirty grams of protein within 30 minutes of waking up." While 30 grams sounds like a lot to manage in one sitting, Marie told POPSUGAR that starting the day like this is essential for weight loss, staying lean, and powering through the day.

Marie explains that while asleep, the body is in recovery mode and essentially fasting. Once we get up and start moving, we're running on empty. If the body isn't nourished quickly, Marie says, it starts holding onto fat and burning muscle instead, which is a less-than-ideal scenario whether you're trying to tone up or slim down. Muscle is essential for burning fat — the less you have, the slower your metabolism. In essence, your body's calorie-burning potential slows down, she says. And while no one can accuse Marie of being a carb-hater, she puts an emphasis on protein in the a.m., because it's what gives the body the boost of energy it needs to perform at its best. Marie also adds that giving the body a good dose of energy-sustaining protein in the morning helps stave off fatty cravings throughout the day. All in all, it adds up to an energized, leaner you.

If 30 grams of protein for breakfast seems unmanageable, take a cue from Marie's typical meal: a spinach and turkey sausage scramble (whole eggs and egg whites) served with some quinoa. For those times when you're on the go, Marie recommends a hard-boiled egg or two along with a protein-filled smoothie.