Determining "how much daily Protein you need"

[drveejay11]

Can someone enlighten me as to determining EXACTLY how much Protein you need.

Here's my spin. I have religiously taken 300-325 grams for years.

However, once in awhile.........I'll try to get in as much as 400 grams for a couple of months and switch to as low as 200 grams for 3-4 months to notice any difference. NONE! I know significant visual muscle is NOT built within that time frame but you'd think I'd notice something.

Is it really necessary to take in all that protein???? I've read plenty of stories how some of the body-builders of old took in 200 grams of protein and hell..........they were a hell of a lot bigger than me.

Stats: 5'11, 203 lbs, 10%

 

[Mike P.T.]

1 gram to 1.5 grams of protein is all you need. 1 gram per pound if eating sufficient calories from carbs and fats throughout the day and up it to 1.5 grams if dieting. Maybe even 2 grams if severely lowering fat and carb intake. I too used to take in a shitload of protein every day and didn't notice a difference. Now I stick to the basic equation or around there. Sometimes when I'm dieting I tend to do it extreme and take in less protein and overall calories than I should. I know I know I should do it more gradually but I'm just used to doing it this way. Even when not "on" though I still maintain all my muscle and strength. I do have "loading" days though so I'm sure that helps alot. Either way you have to find out what works best for you but a general rule is 1 gram to 1.5 grams per pound of bodyweight.

 

[drveejay11]

1 gram to 1.5 grams of protein is all you need. 1 gram per pound if eating sufficient calories from carbs and fats throughout the day and up it to 1.5 grams if dieting. Maybe even 2 grams if severely lowering fat and carb intake. I too used to take in a shitload of protein every day and didn't notice a difference. Now I stick to the basic equation or around there. Sometimes when I'm dieting I tend to do it extreme and take in less protein and overall calories than I should. I know I know I should do it more gradually but I'm just used to doing it this way. Even when not "on" though I still maintain all my muscle and strength. I do have "loading" days though so I'm sure that helps alot. Either way you have to find out what works best for you but a general rule is 1 gram to 1.5 grams per pound of bodyweight.

I hear ya bro. I'm aware of the claimed 1-1.5 grams/per pound of b.weight.

I'm on the fence with this one: I think eating 400+ grams/day is overdoing it and is probably "wasted". I ALSO just can't help but wonder if optimal growth can occur w/o 2x weight in protein.

With all the knowledgeable and experienced bro's on the board emphatically stating that 2x weight in protein is necessary for proper recovery......it's tempting to believe.

Like I said........I've taken in 200 grams and looked exactly the same and ACTUALLY FELT BETTER not gorging on all this "excess"protein---

I would love to know how much protein is actually even assimilated when per meal doses exceed 50 grams. I took a Nutrition class in clollege and I remember reading that anything over 40 grams of protein/meal is "excessive" and will be shuttled off lipogenically. I KNOW HOW WRONG these books can be (especially for bodybuilding requirements)----but it does make me wonder.....Hmmmmm

 

[Mike P.T.]

I hear ya bro. I'm aware of the claimed 1-1.5 grams/per pound of b.weight.

I'm on the fence with this one: I think eating 400+ grams/day is overdoing it and is probably "wasted". I ALSO just can't help but wonder if optimal growth can occur w/o 2x weight in protein.

With all the knowledgeable and experienced bro's on the board emphatically stating that 2x weight in protein is necessary for proper recovery......it's tempting to believe.

Like I said........I've taken in 200 grams and looked exactly the same and ACTUALLY FELT BETTER not gorging on all this "excess"protein---

I would love to know how much protein is actually even assimilated when per meal doses exceed 50 grams. I took a Nutrition class in clollege and I remember reading that anything over 40 grams of protein/meal is "excessive" and will be shuttled off lipogenically. I KNOW HOW WRONG these books can be (especially for bodybuilding requirements)----but it does make me wonder.....Hmmmmm

I wouldn't go as far as to say it automatically turns to fat if not used. Remember consuming protein is thermogenic in itself and actually ups the metabolism just to digest it. It also has to go through several processes before it is turned into fat. Not saying that it can't but it's less likely to be oxidized and excreted fast when taking in too much that you don't need. Another thing to consider is genetics and taking steroids because come on a 300 pound muscular person can digest more than 40 grams of protein. So it all depends. I'm sure there really isn't an exact equation just guidelines to follow.

 

[drveejay11]

I'm sure there really isn't an exact equation just guidelines to follow.

WE'VE COME FULL-CIRCLE

I hear you bro.........it just confuses the hell out me when trying to adhere to a perfect eating regimine. I have the discipline........I just think the knowledge I have is sometimes obscure due to the fact it is based on other people's experience and NOT scientific fact.

Thanks for your input.............I guess I'll just keep playing guinney pig with myself

 

[Zoomster]

I do great on 200 grams per day, sometimes less. If I eat a lot more, I don't feel as good. I do think it is better to graze all day, than eating big bulky meals. I weigh 220 lbs.

 

[SOLID]

I don't know but most guys rave about how they really started growing when they upped there protein intake to 500+ grams ED.

 

[Mike P.T.]

I don't know but most guys rave about how they really started growing when they upped there protein intake to 500+ grams ED.

Yeah but these were also pro bodybuilders. People that take in enourmous amounts of steroids and who train alot who also have ALOT more muscle than your average juicing or non-juicing individual.

 

[Johnny Cut]

i take about 1000 grams a day, but thats just because i like kidney stones....lol

 

[SOLID]

actually the guys over at animals site were the one's I was talking about. Doggcrapp recommends taking in huge amounts of Protein for growth. They talked about how they really started to grow when they upped there protein intake dramatically.