“Where do you get your protein?!” Everyone is very concerned about protein intake, especially when they begin working out. The truth? Our bodies don’t need as much as you think. Even professional athletes don’t need a dramatic jump in protein as the general population believes. Protein shakes are loaded with so much protein and calories that the body doesn’t even know what to do with it! How does it handle this overload? You guessed it, fat storage. Also, too much protein is a lot of extra work on the kidneys. Chances are you get enough protein (especially if you’re American and especially if you eat meat). Want to be sure? The Dietary Reference Intake for protein is 0.36 grams per pound of body weight. That’s about 54g for someone who weighs 150 pounds (0.36 x 150 = 54).