Want to Burn More Fat? Eat More Protein.

It's a long standing urban myth (or should I say "gym myth") that by eating more protein you will burn off more fat. While it has in fact been established that a high protein diet helps to prevent loss of lean mass, the results a group of scientists from the Netherlands published in Physiology & Behavior indicate that a high protein intake per se stimulates exercise induced fat oxidation even if you consume a diet that is overall adequate in calories.

Soenen et al. (Soenen. 2010) investigated the effects a 3 month on a protein-rich vs. normal diet had on body composition of weight stable, healthy subjects (BMI 22 ± 2 kg/m2, age 25 ± 8y) :
The protein group (n = 12) increased protein intake (11 ± 14 g, P < 0.05) and had significantly higher daily protein intake vs. control (n = 4) (80 ± 21 vs.59 ± 11 g, P < 0.05). Fatmax increased significantly in the protein group (0.08 ± 0.08 g/min, P < 0.01). Fat-free mass increased independent of change in body weight (P < 0.01), and fat mass and fat percentage decreased (P < 0.05). Change in Fatmax was a function of change in protein intake (r = 0.623, P < 0.05), and not of changes in body composition or VO2max.
In view of the fact that some of you may experience difficulties with obtaining a high amount of quality protein from canteen food or whatever you are forced to eat. I suggest you consider buying a quality protein supplement, if you haven't already.

On a side note: While you still want to have you fast digesting whey immediately after workouts. It might be a good idea to complement these with a protein blend. My current favorite, by the way, is Gaspari's Myofusion: decent amino acid profile and fantastic taste.
Disclaimer:The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. It is by no means intended as professional medical advice. Do not use any of the agents or freely available dietary supplements mentioned on this website without further consultation with your medical practitioner.