Protein is a secret weapon for dieting success. When you eat enough of it, you will help your body maintain its muscle mass, feel much more satiated (causing you to eat fewer calories naturally), and burn a bit more extra calories than if you ate the same amount of fat or carbs.
For these reasons, it is essential that you get enough protein. But how much is enough?
Here are our general recommendations:
- If you are sedentary — consume 0.6 – 0.8g of protein per pound of lean body mass.
- If you are regularly active — have 0.8 – 1.0g of protein per pound of lean body mass.
- If you lift weights — eat 1.0 – 1.2g of protein per pound of lean body mass.
As long as you stay within the appropriate range for your activity levels and goals, you will reap all of the benefits of protein.
On the other hand, if you are struggling to eat enough protein consistently, you will run the risk of losing muscle, eating more calories than necessary, and feeling less energized.
To help you meet your protein needs when you are struggling, simply add some extra high-protein keto foods like meat, seafood, cheese, tofu, and low carb protein powder to your diet.