Protein Needs Calculator

Why we need protein?

Protein provides amino acid building blocks for much of your body including muscle and other body tissues, enzymes, and even the neurotransmitters that help us feel happy. Higher protein intake has been associated with a better mood.

Protein also helps preserve muscle, which is important for people on weight loss diets. When people lose weight, the loss is a combination of fat and muscle. Higher protein diets show similar overall weight loss, but better muscle maintenance and fat loss. As we age, it is even more important. Older study subjects needed twice the amount to stimulate muscle synthesis compared to younger subjects.

It also helps us feel full. High protein snacks led to subjects reporting less hunger and consuming fewer calories at dinner.

Use the calculator above to see how much protein you need. Then, compare that amount with the chart to see how you stack up.