VIDEO: Protein Intake

This video is very informative and well done. The information is based off the current USDA recommendations.

I agree, you don't need to consume large amounts of protein. On average most people get enough protein in their diets and do not need to supplement!  Consuming excess amounts of protein will not make your muscles grow any more than they normally would in response to training. Your body only uses what it needs to build and repair muscle and the excess, guess what happens? It turns into FAT.

Lean meats are great, but I get so tired of everyone demonizing saturated fats. If you're getting your meat from Winco and other stores that sell conventional, feedlot raised cattle, chickens raised in cramped conditions in the dark, and hogs raised in boxes they can't even turn around in...PLEASE buy the lean cuts, that type of saturated fat IS bad for you, because it comes from animals that are sick, over-medicated, and scared. But if you buy your meat from a local farmer or butcher/Co-op that sells grassfed or pastured meats, go ahead and treat yourself to a nice New York steak! Quality makes a HUGE difference in whether a fat is good or bad, especially when it comes to animal fats. 



I must take issue with the Paleo diet being categorized as a "fad" diet. The Paleo diet does not have to be a low-carb diet, that is a common misconception due to the fact that the Paleo diet eliminates grains from the diet. And as for kidney strain...unless you already have kidney damage, the excess protein will not adversely effect your kidneys (http://robbwolf.com/2011/06/16/clearing-up-kidney-confusion-part-deux/). Lastly, on the Paleo diet, if you're an endurance athlete your performance will not be effected if you make some minor adjustments like what is described in The Paleo Diet for Athletes by Dr. Loren Cordain and Joe Friel. Eating excess amounts of nuts, protein or fats will not help. Just because you eliminate grains doesn't mean you have to eliminate fruit and starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and winter squash. Anyways, I'm getting off topic.