How much protein? How often?

There are so many theories and rumours surrounding how protein should be taken, how much you should take and how often it should be taken.

However, truth of the matter is, there is no quick answer, each person is different, it depends on your size, your aims and you’re age. I’ve found a really great Daily Protein Intake Calculator which bears all these factors into consideration and advices you how to divide it.

Ideally, your daily intake which you have calculated above should be divided over 6 times per day to allow your body the time to absorb as much as it can without excreting too much excess, that way, it won’t go to waste. So allow 4 hours between protein intake and limit it to what YOU have been recommended.

I really think everyone should read this article which discusses in great depth the science behind protein consumption. I don’t think I could’ve done a better job myself, so well done Alan.

What would happen if you eat too much protein? Well over the short term, nothing, your body has way too many uses for it, but over the longer term, it can cause you to buildup toxic ketones. Which can thrust your kidneys into overdrive in order to flush these ketones from your body. As your kidneys rid your body of these toxic ketones, you can lose a significant amount of water, which puts you at risk of dehydration, particularly if you exercise heavily. And if you continue to have over the aforementioned recommended amount, then your body will have to start storing it as fat since it can’t get rid of it fast enough. When it comes to burning of fat, protein based fat would be the hardest to burn since it requires a lot of energy. Moral of the story is, have you’re recommended amount of protein and don’t overdose.

If you have any questions, just ask.

Enjoy.