People interested in maximizing the effects of their routine visits to the gym may want to add some protein afterwards to keep the muscles they built after a hard workout.

Nancy Clark, a member of the American Dietetic Association, said recent studies have shown incorporating protein to carbohydrates after the gym can create better muscle refueling and building response, USA Today reports. Protein can also help prevent the breakdown of muscle by reducing the amount of cortisol in one’s body.

This technique can also be beneficial for people looking to lose weight and not necessarily build a lot of muscle.

"For them, eating something after exercise can nip the appetite in the bud, before the cookie monster visits. A protein-carb combo can be more satiating than carbs alone," Clark told the news provider.

In a 1966 study, it was shown athletes replaced muscle glycogen quicker by consuming carbohydrates when compared to foods high in protein, according to the article. However, in "fine-tuning the science of recovery," Clark said recent studies have looked into using a combination of carbs and protein to see if it would speed up muscle recovering without sacrificing glycogen refueling.

Some people who do not eat meat may want to turn to nutritional supplements to increase their protein intake.