Confusion...What is more important for lean muscle growth? Protein or total calories?

[CCrom]

BASSET, that's also one thing I've wondered!? If you were to consume 2 gr. for every lb and weighed 200lbs, one would have to consume 400gr. protein/day! That's 8 meals of 50 gr. protein and that just can't be right - can it?

Crom

 

[Tuna Guy]

Its like asking whats the most important, an engine or the fuel, you need them both.

 

[strengthmonster]

They are both links in the chain for muscle growth along with many other factors. If one link is missing the growth doesn't happen.

 

[Torch]

Vets clear me up on this, Some have stated when eating too much protein (say 2g/ bw) they start to get fat. Is it possible to get fat from that much protein. I know everyone is different but generally speaking.

 

[MadCow1]

Very tough to get fat from protein here's why:

Protein = 4 calories per gram

Protein must first be converted to an energy source (50% calorie usage to process conversion to energy) = 2 calories per gram remain after conversion

Conversion of excess energy to fat (another 50% calorie usage) = 1 calorie remaining


So for every gram of protein you eat beyond need only 25% can be converted into fat. Roughly double for carbs (also 4 cal's per gram - 2 grams after final conversion) and lots more for fat (9 cal's per gram - almost no energy usage to convert).

Protein also increases metabolism so this further enhances it's effectiveness at keeping you lean.

Furthermore when recovering from a workout the body repairs the damaged muscle with either protein that you just ate/free in the body or protein from somewhere else in the body (i.e. other muscles). Always good to keep a consistent flow throughout the day for natural and AS enhanced atheletes.

Hope this helps