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Nutrition

How Much Protein Do You Actually Need?

Feb 28, 2026 · 5 min read

Most research on resistance-trained individuals lands in a similar range: somewhere around 1.6 to 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight per day supports muscle repair and growth without meaningful extra benefit beyond that point.

That's a wide range on purpose. Where you fall in it depends on how much you're training, how aggressive a calorie deficit you're in (protein needs go up when you're cutting, to protect muscle), and your starting point. A coach adjusts this based on your logs, not a flat formula handed out on day one.

You don't need a protein shake after every workout to hit these numbers. Whole food sources — eggs, dairy, poultry, fish, legumes — work just as well as supplements. Shakes are a convenience tool, not a requirement.

More isn't automatically better. Past roughly 2.2g/kg, additional protein mostly displaces other nutrients without adding extra muscle-building benefit. The goal is hitting a consistent target daily, not maximizing it.

Key takeaways
  • Most trained individuals do well around 1.6–2.2g of protein per kg of bodyweight daily.
  • Needs rise slightly in a calorie deficit to help protect muscle mass.
  • Whole foods and supplements both count — consistency matters more than the source.

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