Protein quantity

invaderjim

Hi all, I was just wondering if there was anything approaching a consensus on how much protein someone should eat. From reading around the subject amounts recommended vary widely, from 0.5g per Kg body weight to 2g per pound (4.4g per kg approx).
Another thing I have wondered about is should this figure be per kg lean body weight? It always seemed a little silly to me for this figure to be based on overall body weight and not take composition into consideration.
I realise the amount will vary depending on what you are trying to achieve, specifically I'm interested in trying to maintain as much muscle as I can while reducing body fat.

Thanks all.

Hanley

Normal person - 1g per lb of lean mass

Dieter - 1 to 1.5g per lb of lean mass

Gainer - 1.5 to 2g per lb of total mass


General guidelines blah blah blah. Protein's not just for muscle building anD the RDAs are minimals, not optimals.

If you have to hit a kcal count of X for whatever reason, you're almost always better adding in protein than carbs. Better appetite surpression, muted insulin response and muscle tissue preservation. There's no reason not to eat more protein.

invaderjim

Thanks for that Hanley, makes sense when you put it that way.

The Guvnor

My view aim for more as you will fall short.

Say you want 300g per day then aim for 350-375 and you will be good.

I just base it on bodyweight as assessing lean vs lard as per the bodyfat thread is a lottery!

1g is a good place to start and build up from there.

It is not as easy to hit 2g per day as people think even with shakes.