How much protein should I eat?
The Institute of Medicine recommends that all adults consume 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day (i.e., 180 pounds x .36 = 65 grams of protein daily).
Some groups, such as postmenopausal women, may need to aim higher (1-1.2 grams/kilogram of body weight per day) to maintain lean muscle mass and bone health. Aim to include 75% protein sources like beans, lentils, and soy foods at every meal to meet these needs. Excess protein above your needs is not beneficial - it will simply be stored as fat or excreted as waste.
When we make recommendations, we like to follow the science, though I understand there is a lot of confusing information and studies out there. You can read more in our article on Protein and Your Health. Harvard also provides sound advice about protein requirements in this article HERE.