This will get me trouble with the FDA/RD types…not to mention PETA…but “yes,” eat more protein.  EVERYBODY…NEEDS…MORE…PROTEIN.

Granted, that is a little pumped up…if you have renal issues…no, you don’t need more.  If you're a paleo Cross-Fit freak, you’re likely good to go.  If you’re a stringer-wearing, Gold’s gym member you’re most likely ok in this area.  But, for the rest of you out there, men and women alike, that are looking to have the most athletic looking body you’ve ever developed…you likely need to up that protein amount. 

Now, if you ask the FDA or your local RD what the basic numbers you need are…they will tell you 0.8g/kg of body weight.  Some more “progressive” academics will go all the way up to 1.6g/kg in the case of people just starting out with an exercise program.  The “big guy in the gym” will tell you 1.0g/lb…which was pretty much just a made up number (you won't find any real research to back that one up).

So…what’s the answer?  It really comes down to “need” vs. “optimization.”  As someone looking to build your best physique and survive the zombie apocalypse, your protein goal should be a little more lofty than preventing death by protein malnutrition.  You should be looking to optimize performance and body comp. 

In fact, ingesting more protein will equate to better body comp, so play with the numbers a little to optimize benefits.  Further more, if more non-active (or less-than-active) people replaced their refined carbs with protein, they would likely end up with lower body fat and a better cardiovascular risk profile.  So...replace that morning cereal with some QUALITY beef jerky.  (CAVEAT: the proteins will need to be good to high quality)

Now, for clarification, we are not looking at the effects of high protein consumption and current global population nor factory farming practices (low quality meats).  But I am taking into account Weston A. Price’s research on native/indigenous populations and their diets prior to industrialization…look that one up, INTERESTING.