Low-carb, vegetarian, Mediterranean – whatever your diet, it's important to get enough protein.
Although research hasn't yet pinpointed one perfect formula, experts say that the typical "recommended" daily minimums aren't optimal, and that it helps to factor in your weight and activity level to determine how much protein you personally need.
How to tally your protein intake
A good baseline for people who exercise at a moderate level is between one-half and three-quarters of a gram of protein per 0.45kg of bodyweight. If you weigh 68kg, for example, you should eat between 75 and 112g of protein per day. To lose weight, diets with higher amounts of protein – between 90 and 150g a day – are effective and help keep you from losing muscle along with fat.
Since the body uses protein most effectively when you have it at regular intervals, divide your daily intake into four equal amounts for breakfast, lunch, a snack and dinner. If you work out at a high level, consider eating another 50g of protein before you go to bed to help with overnight muscle repair.
You might be familiar with calorie counting, but it's also important to know how to tally your protein intake. For example, 28g of chicken contains only about 9g of protein. So it takes an 85g portion to deliver 27g of protein, or about one-quarter of the average daily need.
27g protein portions
- 85g of fish, turkey, chicken or lean beef
- 198g plain Greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup cottage cheese
You can also get high-quality protein from some plant-based foods. These include tofu, whole grains, legumes and nuts – all better options than eating extra red meat or any processed meats.
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