How important is it to add a protein supplement to my diet?

hello77kitty

I am mostly just working on dropping the pounds right now. I would like to start more strength training eventually.
So do I need more protein to preserve muscle or something?

gregpack

I guess it depends on how much protein you eat now, but it is tough for me to get adequate protein on a reduced calorie diet without the help of supplements. I'm a male and not much of a meat eater. I love my carbs. I shoot for 150 gm per day protein per day minimum. I drink about two shakes a day, which accounts for over 50 gs of protein. Lifting weights will also help minimize lean body mass loss, but almost everyone will lose lean mass on extended diets.

Acg67

I am mostly just working on dropping the pounds right now. I would like to start more strength training eventually.
So do I need more protein to preserve muscle or something?

1-1.5g per lb of lbm if lbm is not known 1g per lb of bodyweight will do.

you never NEED a protein supplement, but they can be useful if you can't get in a enough protein through whole foods

camillehardeman

It's definently worth a try, but try to find something low in sugar! I incorporate whey protein into my diet (I'm a vegetarian) and it makes me feel a lot better, and I tend to have more energy. You may not need one, but you may like it!