{"id":802993,"date":"2025-02-21T15:44:02","date_gmt":"2025-02-21T15:44:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/?p=802993"},"modified":"2025-02-21T15:48:03","modified_gmt":"2025-02-21T15:48:03","slug":"blog-how-much-protein-should-i-eat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-how-much-protein-should-i-eat\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Protein Should I Eat to Gain Muscle?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"bsf_rt_marker\"><\/div><p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;Section&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|||||&#8221; collapsed=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;Row&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.22.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=&#8221;50px&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Text&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Open Sans||||||||&#8221; link_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; ul_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">How much protein should I eat to gain muscle?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">If you\u2019ve asked yourself if you\u2019re getting enough protein to support your gains, you\u2019re in the right place. At its core, building muscle is a result of two essential elements: training hard while in a caloric surplus. However, neglect your protein intake, and you\u2019re unlikely to see the results you\u2019re hoping for.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">In this article, we\u2019ll take a data-driven approach to understanding your protein needs. Get to grips with how much protein you need, where to get it from, and how to integrate it into your workout routine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_protein\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">What is protein?\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-how-much-protein-should-i-eat\/#What_is_protein\" >What is protein?\u00a0<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-how-much-protein-should-i-eat\/#What_is_hypertrophy\" >What is hypertrophy?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-how-much-protein-should-i-eat\/#How_does_protein_support_muscle_growth\" >How does protein support muscle growth?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-how-much-protein-should-i-eat\/#How_much_protein_should_I_eat_to_gain_muscle\" >How much protein should I eat to gain muscle?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-how-much-protein-should-i-eat\/#How_to_calculate_how_much_protein_I_need\" >How to calculate how much protein I need\u00a0<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-how-much-protein-should-i-eat\/#By_body_weight\" >By body weight<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-how-much-protein-should-i-eat\/#By_lean_body_mass\" >By lean body mass<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-how-much-protein-should-i-eat\/#Best_protein_sources_for_muscle_growth\" >Best protein sources for muscle growth<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-how-much-protein-should-i-eat\/#Whole_food_sources\" >Whole food sources<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-how-much-protein-should-i-eat\/#Protein_supplements_Do_you_need_them\" >Protein supplements: Do you need them?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-how-much-protein-should-i-eat\/#Protein_timing_and_distribution_Does_it_matter\" >Protein timing and distribution: Does it matter?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-how-much-protein-should-i-eat\/#The_anabolic_window_Myth_or_fact\" >The anabolic window: Myth or fact?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-how-much-protein-should-i-eat\/#Protein_distribution_across_meals\" >Protein distribution across meals<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-how-much-protein-should-i-eat\/#Final_thoughts_Optimising_protein_for_muscle_gain\" >Final thoughts: Optimising protein for muscle gain<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Proteins are naturally occurring compounds made of amino acids. When it comes to nutrition, protein is one of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/best-foods-fat-loss-muscle-gain\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">three core macronutrients<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> that give the body energy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Protein is essential for growth and repair and is constantly broken down (catabolism) and built (anabolism). Where protein muscle synthesis exceeds protein breakdown, muscle growth (hypertrophy) can occur.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_hypertrophy\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">What is hypertrophy?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">Muscle hypertrophy<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> is the process of increasing the size of muscle fibres through resistance training and proper nutrition. It occurs when the body repairs and rebuilds muscle tissue after stress from exercise, particularly strength training. This adaptation happens through <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">muscle protein synthesis<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> (MPS), where protein intake provides the amino acids needed for growth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">There are two types of hypertrophy: myofibrillar hypertrophy, which increases muscle density and strength, and sarcoplasmic hypertrophy, which boosts muscle volume by increasing glycogen and fluid storage. Both contribute to muscle growth, and a well-structured training programme combined with sufficient protein intake is key to maximising hypertrophy. Understanding how much protein you should eat is the first step.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_protein_support_muscle_growth\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">How does protein support muscle growth?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Protein is the foundation of muscle growth. When you train, especially with weights, you create tiny tears in your muscle fibres. This doesn\u2019t sound ideal, but it\u2019s key to growth\u2014your body repairs these tears, making the muscles stronger and larger over time. Protein provides the amino acids needed for this repair process, fuelling muscle protein synthesis (MPS). Without enough protein, your body struggles to rebuild effectively, and progress stalls. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">But it&#8217;s not just about getting more protein\u2014it\u2019s about getting enough, consistently, to keep MPS elevated. Protein timing, quality, and total intake all play a role, and understanding how they work together can make a huge difference to your results.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_protein_should_I_eat_to_gain_muscle\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">How much protein should I eat to gain muscle?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Optimal protein intake depends on a variety of individual factors, such as age, sex, activity level, weight, and body composition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">The optimal protein intake for muscle growth typically falls between <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">1.6\u20132.2g per kg of body weight per day<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">, depending on training intensity and individual goals. For those in a calorie deficit or training at high volumes, aiming towards the higher end of this range can help preserve muscle mass and support recovery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">For example, a person weighing 80kg (176lb) would want to consume between 128-176g of protein per day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">You might encounter recommendations for far less protein. These lower recommendations\u2014such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhf.org.uk\/informationsupport\/heart-matters-magazine\/nutrition\/protein#:~:tex\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">0.75g per kg<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">\u2014are the minimum amount required to avoid protein deficiency. If you\u2019re looking to build muscle, this wouldn\u2019t be enough. A higher protein intake is essential to gain muscle and can also benefit metabolism, immunity, satiety, and performance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_calculate_how_much_protein_I_need\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">How to calculate how much protein I need\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">There are a few ways to calculate your protein needs, but the easiest way to work out how much protein you need is by using your body weight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"By_body_weight\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">By body weight<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Using the protein goal above (1.6-2.2g per kg of body weight), it\u2019s easy to calculate your daily protein intake. For example:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">50kg (110lb): 80-110g of protein<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">70kg (154lb): 112-154g of protein<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">90kg (198lb): 144-198g of protein<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">As you gain muscle (or drop overall weight), make sure to adjust your calorie and protein needs accordingly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"By_lean_body_mass\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">By lean body mass<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">A second method of calculating your daily protein needs uses your lean body mass (LBM) rather than overall bodyweight. Your LBM includes the weight of everything except body fat: that\u2019s your muscle mass, bone mass, and other bodily systems.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Those with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC9066312\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">higher lean body mass tend to require more protein<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">. Taking into account your body composition when calculating your protein intake can help to ensure you\u2019re getting sufficient protein to fuel your goals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">To find out your lean body mass, you can:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Get a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">DEXA scan<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">: a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/services\/dexa\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">DEXA scan for body composition<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> calculates your fat mass, muscle mass, visceral fat, and more.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Estimate your lean mass from your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">body fat percentage<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> (this is a less accurate method but can provide an estimate)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">The difference between the lean mass and bodyweight methods will be more significant for those with a higher <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-what-is-a-healthy-body-fat-percentage\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">body fat percentage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">. If this is you, you may find it helps to calculate your protein needs based on lean mass rather than bodyweight.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_protein_sources_for_muscle_growth\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Best protein sources for muscle growth<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_2217900933-1.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;A person measures a scoop of protein powder  to prepare a protein shake. &#8221; title_text=&#8221;shutterstock_2217900933 (1)&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whole_food_sources\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Whole food sources<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Choosing high-quality whole-food protein sources ensures you\u2019re getting essential amino acids, along with other vital nutrients that support muscle growth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"><strong>Chicken breast<\/strong> is a staple for many, offering around 165 kcal and 31g of protein per 100g, with minimal fat. <strong>Lean beef<\/strong> (sirloin or 5% mince) provides 250 kcal and 26g of protein per 100g, plus iron and B vitamins for energy metabolism. <strong>Salmon<\/strong> is another excellent choice, delivering 208 kcal and 20g of protein per 100g, along with omega-3 fatty acids to aid recovery and reduce inflammation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">If you prefer dairy, <strong>Greek yoghurt<\/strong> (0% fat) packs 60 kcal and 10g of protein per 100g, making it a great option for snacks or post-workout recovery. For plant-based eaters, <strong>tofu<\/strong> provides 144 kcal and 15g of protein per 100g, while <strong>lentils<\/strong> offer 116 kcal and 9g of protein per 100g, plus fibre for digestive health.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Incorporating a mix of these sources into your diet ensures you\u2019re not just hitting your protein targets but also getting a well-rounded nutrient profile to support muscle growth. For more nutritional recommendations, check out our blog on the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/best-foods-fat-loss-muscle-gain\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">15 Best Foods for Fat Loss and Muscle Gain<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Protein_supplements_Do_you_need_them\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Protein supplements: Do you need them?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Protein supplementation can be a convenient tool for muscle gain, but it\u2019s not a magic bullet. Whole foods should always be the foundation of your diet, as they provide additional nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fibre.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">That said, protein shakes can help bridge the gap if you struggle to meet your daily intake\u2014especially for those with high protein needs or busy schedules.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">Whey protein <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">is one of the most effective options, delivering around <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">25g of protein per scoop (30g)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">, with a fast digestion rate that makes it ideal post-workout. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">Casein protein<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">, on the other hand, digests slowly, making it a great choice before bed to support overnight recovery. For plant-based athletes, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">pea, rice, or soy protein blends<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> can provide a complete amino acid profile comparable to whey.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">While supplements are useful, they\u2019re just that\u2014a supplement, not a replacement for consuming food. If you can hit your protein target through whole foods alone, shakes aren\u2019t essential. But if you need a quick, easy, and cost-effective way to boost intake, they can definitely play a role in optimising muscle growth.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Protein_timing_and_distribution_Does_it_matter\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Protein timing and distribution: Does it matter?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_anabolic_window_Myth_or_fact\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">The anabolic window: Myth or fact?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">The idea of an <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">anabolic window<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">\u2014a short period after exercise where you must consume protein to maximise muscle growth\u2014has been widely debated.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">While post-workout nutrition is important, research suggests that this window is much larger than once thought. If you\u2019ve eaten a protein-rich meal within a few hours before training, your body already has circulating amino acids to support recovery, meaning immediate post-workout protein isn\u2019t essential. However, if you\u2019ve trained fasted or it\u2019s been several hours since your last meal, then consuming <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">20\u201340g of protein shortly after exercise<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> can help kickstart muscle protein synthesis (MPS). Instead of obsessing over a narrow post-workout window, focus on total daily protein intake and evenly distribute it across the day\u2014that\u2019s what drives muscle growth.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Protein_distribution_across_meals\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Protein distribution across meals<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Does protein distribution matter?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Generally, yes. Research suggests that spreading your protein intake out evenly throughout the day (rather than consuming it in one or two large meals) maximises <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ritual.com\/uk\/articles\/what-is-muscle-protein-synthesis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">muscle protein synthesis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> (MPS).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Aim for 20\u201340g of protein per meal to optimise your protein distribution. Bear in mind that the exact amount of protein you need per meal will depend on your body weight and training intensity. This range is enough to fully stimulate MPS without excess being used for energy instead of muscle repair. Eating protein every 3\u20134 hours helps maintain a steady supply of amino acids, keeping your muscles in a growth-friendly state.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_thoughts_Optimising_protein_for_muscle_gain\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Final thoughts: Optimising protein for muscle gain<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">We hope this blog has clarified how much protein you should eat for muscle gain. Protein plays a crucial role in building muscle, and insufficient protein intake can limit your progress. As with any fitness goal, it can take some trial and error to hit the right approach, so experiment with your protein intake, sources, and distribution to see what works for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">If you\u2019re looking to further optimise your nutrition for building muscle, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/services\/bespoke-nutrition-coaching\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">online nutrition coaching<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> provides the perspective and expertise to take your nutrition to the next level. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How much protein should I eat to gain muscle?\u00a0 If you\u2019ve asked yourself if you\u2019re getting enough protein to support your gains, you\u2019re in the right place. At its core, building muscle is a result of two essential elements: training hard while in a caloric surplus. However, neglect your protein intake, and you\u2019re unlikely to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":802996,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[32,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-802993","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fitlife","category-nutrition"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/802993","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=802993"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/802993\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":803001,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/802993\/revisions\/803001"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/802996"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=802993"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=802993"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=802993"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}