Over the past couple of months, we’ve been going down the list of Abs Diet Powerfoods that help you build muscle, burn fat, and stay in tip-top condition. This week we’ve come to Extra-Protein Powder or, in other words, whey. Powdered whey contains essential amino acids for muscle growth and recovery … but it’s not just for bodybuilders! What’s really great is that it offers a high amount of protein for few calories; one serving contains only about 100 calories and 2 grams of fat.

Whey protein powder is also really easy to keep in your kitchen or carry around with you to work, school, or the gym for a quick, filling snack. As you know, I recommend eating 4-5 small meals or snacks a day, every 3 hours. This will boost your metabolism in the most efficient way and keep blood sugar levels even throughout the day. One of the easiest snacks you can have is a protein shake. Just mix 1 scoop of protein powder with about 4 ounces of water and you’re good to go. For a smoothie, give this a whirl in the blender with berries or even spinach. You can also drink this before a workout.

• For more information on the Abs Diet, visit Women’s Health.