How much food is enough?

[D_M_S]

I'm trying to focus on getting more & more of my proteins in me, but I've come to realize exactly how many grams I need and I want to make sure it's right.

Keep in mind that I'm 227 and my research shows that I would need upwards of 200 gms of protein/day.

There's a market out here that sells trays of chicken - each serving has 30g protein, little fat, little carbs and each tray is 4 servings (total of 4 cups). That means that I would need to eat almost TWO TRAYS each DAY to get enough protein - is that right?

I do get protein from other sources - I add whey powder to my gatorade for another 34gms and I get about another 14 from my cereal (2 servings) and some from whole-wheat pita bread. But that's about it.

What other good sources of protein (besides chicken & beef) are there out there? How can you make sure you're not getting too many calories in the day while still eating all this protein?

Finally, does this seem like a lot of food to anyone else? I just don't know how some people do it.

[Kane]

Originally Posted by D_M_S

Keep in mind that I'm 227 and my research shows that I would need upwards of 200 gms of protein/day..

I would say you would need more than that...If you are looking to bulk then 1.5g per lb of lean body mass is pretty good IMO. I'm 185lbs and I'm taking 300-350+ grams of protein daily, but I'm trying to put on some serious muscle mass. Your goals may differ and so would your diet.

Originally Posted by D_M_S

What other good sources of protein (besides chicken & beef) are there out there? How can you make sure you're not getting too many calories in the day while still eating all this protein?..

Fish is a good source but you might have to watch the fat depending on what kind you eat. I usually eat alot of chicken, beef and fish and I take in quite a bit of protein from whey (1-2 scoops (about 25-50g protein) 1 pre, 1 during workout, 1 post, 1 in the middle of the night). Check the sticky on how to bulk and you will find a calculator and it can give you a pretty good baseline for what your maintenance, cut, and bulk macros should be. Start there and tweek it as needed to meet your goals

Originally Posted by D_M_S

Finally, does this seem like a lot of food to anyone else? I just don't know how some people do it.

I typically have about 8 meals or more with a total of 5000+ calories daily. I've usually got 200grams of protein in me by lunch time Eating is like a second job

[Dr X]

Hopefully you are eating 6-8 meals a day. The best is to preplan what you are eating according to your goals. A basic rule of thumb is 40% carbs 40% protein and 20% fat when bulking. Of course you can vary that as needed. If you are just starting out don’t jump into a 5000 calorie diet. Your body will not know what to do. I would suggest at your weight you start at 3000 cals per day and slowly work your way up adding 200 calories per week. Basically your going to have to sit down and think your meals through.

Eggs are another good choice besides beef, fish, dairy but not to much and of course your pre and post shakes. Fit day is a good website to help you with your meal planning.

[EricT]

Pretty much everything has been said but...

Originally Posted by Kane

I would say you would need more than that...If you are looking to bulk then 1.5g per lb of lean body mass is pretty good IMO.

Based on your stats above that means you should be going for 280 to 300 grams protein a day at least. However...

Originally Posted by DR X

If you are just starting out don’t jump into a 5000 calorie diet. Your body will not know what to do. I would suggest at your weight you start at 3000 cals per day and slowly work your way up adding 200 calories per week

Going by that, which of course you should, it won't do you much good to try to up your protein intake to those levels mentioned if you haven't worked up to your caloric goals. However, you start with a 3000 calorie diet then your already talking about 300 grams a day. Conveniently 1.5 grams per lb of lean body weight pretty much equals the same thing as 1200 calores from protein using the 40/40/20 amount DR X suggested. A quick note (you'll find this info anyway) Protein=4 calories/gram. Carbs= 4 calories/gram. Fat=9 calories/gram.

Just trying to prevent any confusion about the 1.5 gram protein a day and the 40/40/20 diet.