If you’ve ever followed a nutrition or fitness plan you have probably heard talk about the importance of protein and its ability to help build muscle. Protein serves many different functions in our body in addition to building and maintaining lean muscle mass. When protein is digested it’s broken down into amino acids which help balance hormones and form the building blocks of our brains neural network. Protein is a big part of what makes us feel full and satisfied at a meal.
People often ask how much protein they should consume in a day. The answer can depend on your weight, gender and fitness goals. However, the Recommended Daily Allowance for protein, set by medical professionals, is .8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. A 150lbs person would need about 54 grams of protein per day.
A high protein diet is often recommended during a fat loss program because of its ability to digest slowly and satisfy hunger. The key to protein consumption is balance. It’s best to choose a wide variety of animal and plant based proteins while striving to have a combination of protein, whole grain carbohydrates and healthy fats at each meal and snack.