What do you like to eat first thing in the morning? Everyone has different preferences, but one supplement you may want to consider including in your routine is whey protein. This protein, which is derived from dairy products, has a lot of benefits when stirred into your morning smoothie or drink.

1. It helps keep you full.

Do you ever eat breakfast, only to find yourself feeling hungry again just a few hours later? Chances are, you're not eating enough protein for breakfast. Protein helps keep you feeling full so your stomach's not rumbling in that morning meeting, and so you're not tempted to reach for those donuts at 10:00 am. Whey is a great source of protein for your morning meal. It's easy to add to a smoothie, your oatmeal, or even your own cereal. You don't have to cook it like you would most other protein sources, like meat or tofu, which makes it convenient during a busy morning.

2. It can help stabilize your blood sugar.

When you eat protein with a meal, it slows down the rate at which your body absorbs carbohydrates from that meal. This means your blood sugar levels won't spike and then fall like they would if you were to eat those carbohydrates without any protein. Including whey protein in your diet leads to more stable blood sugar levels, which can decrease your risk of diabetes over time.

3. It can help you build muscle.

To build healthy muscle mass, and to also maintain that muscle mass, you need to have an adequate protein intake. Adding whey protein to your morning meal can help you satisfy your protein needs throughout the day. Even if you aren't able to get as much protein at lunch or during the rest of the day, you'll have had at least one protein-rich meal.

4. It can help fight depression.

Whey protein is not a cure for depression, but it can be a helpful supplemental treatment for those who are dealing with depressive feelings. Blood sugar fluctuations often worsen depression, so stabilizing your blood sugar levels through the use of whey protein can help you enjoy a more positive mood.

Starting your day with whey protein is a good idea that can benefit many people. If you want to see whether whey protein works well for you, buy a small container of a whey protein supplement and just try it for a few days. You'll likely notice multiple benefits early on.

If you aren't sure if a product contains whey protein, just look for the following on the label under the ingredients and integrated supplements: whey protein isolate.