How much protien should one eat?

[Retro]

Couldn't find a straightforward answer (surely because there isn't run), but I have no idea how much I protein I should consume daily. I'm 18, 11.5 stone with a fairly low body fat (was always skinny, have put on a bit of muscle) ... I've read I should be eating 1g per pround of body fat?

That would mean I should be getting 161 grams of Protein, a lot more then what I'm currently getting (50grams on a good day).

[SarahPT]

You're right, there is no straight forward answer because everyone is different. What are your goals? Are you trying to build muscle mass? 50 grams is low even if you are trying to maintain. If you are trying to build mass you need extra calories anyway, so you would want significantly more protein. Hope that helps!

Sarah

[Retro]

I bought protein, was Soya and the worst tasting thing I've ever come across. I can't afford to try out any other type of protein so I'm having to rely on energy 'nutrient' drinks that contain around 21grams per can, and mainly ham and cheese sandwhiches, peanut butter sandwhiches too.

I'm gonna try and get up to 80grams of protein daily but seems money is the biggest issue for me, would you know of any cheap sources of protein?


My goal is to put muscle on, longer term a six pack but I want a strong, athletic appearance but not the OTT body builder look.
Cheers

[SarahPT]

Hmmm. How about tuna? Chicken breast? Egg whites? Cottage cheese? Just a few ideas.

Sarah

[Maxgain]

Originally Posted by Retro

That would mean I should be getting 161 grams of Protein, a lot more then what I'm currently getting (50grams on a good day).

oh my God 50g that is below recomendations for a sedentary person of your age for proper tissue functioning. I would def be going 1g/lb initially.

[Retro]

Originally Posted by SarahPT

Hmmm. How about tuna? Chicken breast? Egg whites? Cottage cheese? Just a few ideas.

Sarah

Tuna I have often, chicken breast? Too expensive, Egg Whites taste to bad and nothing tastes worse then cottege cheese ... apart from Soya protein.

Today I've had:
Weetabix (cereal) with Banana
Ham Sanwhich and Peanut Butter Sandwhich
21g protein can energy drink
Noodles and Fried Eggs

not sure what mums cooking for dinner, though I doubt it's gonna add up to anywhere near 100grams.

[rab91787]

Here ya go bud try this calculator at the bottom of the page:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/totalprotein.htm

:

[Retro]

Bloody hell, says I should be eating between my 160lbs to 257lbs
Which is pretty much impossible, I've noticed growth even with my current poor diet so I'm guessing perhaps I eat more protein then I thought, or my genetics love me.

[LiftGirl]

Originally Posted by Retro

would you know of any cheap sources of protein?

How about beans, lentils and nuts?

[maverick]

whey powder is the cheapest source of protein out there.

[copperman]

I would definately supplement your diet with whey. It is going to be difficult to achieve any goals without a better diet than you are on.

[F_Mac]

It sounds like your diet is very poor. Protein is the building blocks for muscle.

No bricks = no house.

Belly up to the table.