How much protein do you really need each day and at each meal? | Deadspin.com

Melisa DecanMelisa Decan|published: Fri 28th February, 07:32 2025
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SummaryHow much protein do you really need each day and at each meal? | Deadspin.com

Protein needs vary depending on your goals—whether for health, muscle building, or fat loss.How much protein do you really need each day and at each meal? | Deadspin.com

For a sedentary adult, aiming for at least 0.45 g/lb of body weight improves body composition and overall well-being.

The optimal intake varies: up to 1.5 g/lb for lean muscle gain, or between 0.55 and 1.1 g/lb to balance muscle building and fat loss.

Whether you are a bodybuilder, seeking a lean physique, or simply concerned about your well-being, your protein needs deserve special attention. These essential macronutrients not only nourish your muscles but also influence overall health and body composition. But how do you know how much protein is right for you? Find out in this article.

How much protein do you really need each day and at each meal? | Deadspin.com

For a sedentary person, nutritional recommendations suggest a daily protein intake between 0.36 and 0.38 g/lb of body weight. But why stop there? By aiming for 0.45 g/lb instead, you could not only maintain good overall health but also improve your body composition. This may seem insignificant, but this slight adjustment could have long-term positive effects on your well-being.

How much protein do you really need each day and at each meal? | Deadspin.com

Building muscle while minimizing fat gain requires a specific approach—a higher protein intake. Recent studies suggest a surprising figure: up to 1.5 g/lb. Why so much? This higher intake would help limit fat storage while maximizing the quality of muscle gains. It exceeds previous recommendations of 0.73 to 1.1 g/lb, but may be interesting if you are aiming for a real physical transformation. So, are you ready for the challenge?

How much protein do you really need each day and at each meal? | Deadspin.com

Unlike building lean muscle, bulking generally requires a calorie surplus. Here, consuming too much protein can become counterproductive because it might limit your ability to incorporate the necessary extra calories. The ideal range is to maintain protein intake between 0.55 and 0.91 g/lb. This dosage supports muscle mass while achieving the overall caloric intake necessary for your goal.

How much protein do you really need each day and at each meal? | Deadspin.com

When it comes to losing fat—especially during a hypocaloric diet—the main goal is preserving muscle. A consumption of 0.73 to 1.1 g/lb is often recommended to prevent muscle loss. However, for overweight or obese individuals, a more moderate range of 0.55 to 0.68 g/lb is proposed by the AEE. This precise calculation maximizes fat loss while maintaining a good body structure—an important nuance to optimize your results!

How much protein do you really need each day and at each meal? | Deadspin.com

Whether you are aiming to maintain your health, develop your physique, or lose weight, your protein needs evolve according to your goals. This essential macronutrient is more than just fuel—it is a true ally in achieving your objectives. So why not adjust your intake now and see the benefits?

How much protein do you really need each day and at each meal? | Deadspin.com