Malin Akerman reveals the key food that got her in shape for steamy scenes in Netflix's The Hunting Wives

Actor Malin Akerman revealed the dieting trick she practiced for weeks to get into shape for her starring role in Netflix's The Hunting Wives.

She said she replaced her regular indulgences in chocolate with chocolate protein shakes to help build muscle and stay energized while also satisfying her cravings.

The 27 Dresses star has a sweet tooth that can only be satiated with chocolate, she said. But preparation for her new role required rigorous training, working with a professional trainer for cardio and weight workouts.

She said: 'I have such a sweet tooth so I can eat chocolate all day, which probably isn’t great. I swap it out for chocolate protein shakes because then it satiates my sweet tooth and keeps me going for a while.'

Protein shakes are designed primarily to supplement your daily protein intake. Most contain around 15 to 30 grams of protein per serving. They are not a replacement for whole foods, but serve as a good supplement for someone on the go or looking to build muscle.

Protein and carbohydrates are also essential components that need to be replenished after an intense workout, as the body breaks down its muscles.

The body utilizes three primary fuel sources during exercise: glucose, derived from carbohydrates, fatty acids from fats, and amino acids from protein. The intensity and nature of the physical activity determine the specific proportion of these fuels burned.

Following an intense workout, it is essential to replenish the body's depleted glycogen stores by consuming carbohydrates and protein, which provide the necessary nutrients for muscle repair and recovery.

While Akerman, 47, enjoyed her daily protein shake, she didn't completely abandon her love of chocolate, disclosing that it was still an occasional treat after dinner.

She told TODAY: ‘I do have chocolate at the end of the day.

‘It’s just eating well because the protein fuels your muscles, so I’ve learned.’

Cravings for sweets are natural. Humans are born with a natural preference for sweetness, as sugar offers a rapid source of energy and triggers the release of feel-good neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, in the brain.

Protein powders and shakes can have added sugars, and fans should be sure to read the ingredients label before making a purchase. Some protein powders contain little to no added sugar, while others have as much as 23 grams per scoop.

The American Heart Association recommends a daily limit of 24 grams of added sugar for women and 36 grams for men.

The powders come from plants, including soybeans, peas, rice, potatoes, or hemp, as well as eggs and milk. They may include other ingredients such as added sugars, artificial flavoring, thickeners, vitamins, and minerals.

Protein powder is classified as a dietary supplement, not a food or drug. The FDA does not approve these products for safety or efficacy before they are sold to the public.

Instead, the responsibility for evaluating the safety of ingredients and the accuracy of product labeling falls solely on the manufacturers.

The self-regulating system creates a significant gap in consumer protection.

Without independent, mandatory third-party testing, there is often no reliable way for a consumer to verify that a product contains the amount of protein it claims, is free from harmful contaminants or that its ingredient list is truthful.

The lack of oversight underscores the importance of choosing products that have been voluntarily certified by independent third-party organizations.

Protein powders may also alter the gut’s delicate balance of good and bad bacteria, known as the microbiome.

Disruptions can cause irritable bowel syndrome, weakened immunity that makes a person more prone to infections, autoimmune disorders where the body attacks its own cells, and, potentially, colorectal cancer.

When it comes to packing a protein punch, few foods compete with lean poultry.

Skinless chicken breast is well-loved by health-conscious eaters, delivering 32 grams of protein in just a three-ounce cooked serving, for under roughly 150 calories.

Turkey breast is nearly identical in its high-protein profile, making both of them incredibly efficient sources for muscle repair and fullness.

Their mild flavor also makes them a perfect canvas for spices and sauces, making them versatile culinary centerpieces.

For those who prefer red meat, there are still exceptionally high-protein options that don't require sacrificing nutrition.

Lean cuts of beef offer approximately 25 to 30 grams of protein per three-ounce serving, while also providing essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.