Protein is all the rage. But how much do you really need?

"Protein is having a moment, with federal guidelines significantly raising the recommended amount people should eat every day and products ranging from coffee drinks to Pop-Tarts touting enhanced levels of the nutrient. Eating enough protein is important for good health, Denver-area dieticians said, but people who want to increase their intake need to make sure they choose quality foods and don't crowd out healthy carbohydrates and fats."

"Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture showed that, as of 2020, the average American already ate enough protein to meet the new recommendations. The most recent edition of the federal nutrition guidelines, released in early January, raised the recommended floor for protein consumption, setting a range from 50% higher to double the previous recommendation. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also unveiled a flipped food pyramid, with beef and full-fat dairy among the foods to emphasize at the top."

"The previous protein guideline was a bare minimum to avoid malnutrition, so raising that was probably the right call, said Jessica Crandall, a registered dietitian nutritionist who works at HCA HealthOne Rose. Generally, Crandall recommends 60 to 80 grams of protein each day for women and 80 to 100 grams for men. For comparison, a three-ounce serving of ground beef has 22 grams, a skinless chicken breast has 18 grams"

Federal nutrition guidelines substantially increased the recommended minimum protein intake, raising the floor to a range 50% higher to double prior levels. The average American already consumed enough protein to meet the new recommendations as of 2020, according to USDA data. A flipped food pyramid emphasizes beef and full-fat dairy, reversing the recent plate model dividing produce, protein and whole grains. Dietitians recommend increasing protein intake with quality sources while avoiding crowding out healthy carbohydrates and fats. Individual protein needs vary by body weight, age, activity level and health conditions, with some requiring more and others needing restrictions. Common serving protein amounts include ground beef, chicken breast and Greek yogurt.

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