Tips » Diet
I heard I should eat 40% protein when I lift — how much should I eat if I don't?
I would say in certain circumstances, 40% is high even when you are lifting. At 178 pounds I was only averaging around 100 grams per day, no issues with building muscle mass or gaining strength.
Protein is over-rated. Protein was under-rated for so long - people were carb-heavy, low fat, and neglected this. The supplement industry has created a rebound and convinced people they need hundreds of grams. That is people becoming "experts" based on articles read on the Internet that are ultimately traced back to companies selling protein products. If you look at documented research, you'll find that about 0.8 grams per pound of body weight is really about the most you might need for general health, suppor for lifting, etc. You then adjust carbs/fats based on your energy expenditure, how much exercise you perform, etc.
Get comfortable. Don't try to force protein. Choose protein-rich food sources and then let your body do the rest.