Do I need as much protein on rest days?

Author: Allie Predovic  |  Last update: Sunday, May 25, 2025

Generally speaking, your total protein goals for the day should not change whether its a training day or a recovery day. These will differ from person to person. As a general rule of thumb, for most people, 0.8-1.2g of protein per kg of bodyweight per day day will be adequate.

Do I need to eat a lot of protein on rest days?

On rest days, you may not need as much protein as on days when you are working out. This is because your muscles are not being broken down as much, and therefore, they do not need as much protein for repair and recovery. Some experts recommend consuming around 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight on rest days.

Do you need a lot of protein if you're not working out?

Not at all. Protein is an important macro nutrient that is needed for basic body function but if you are not working out to break your muscle fiber tissues for muscle growth, your body won't be able to use protein to rebuild muscle tissues but rather just use it for energy. 1 g of protein contains 4 calories.

How much protein should I eat on my days off?

In general, we guide our clients to eat between . 7 and 1.2 grams of protein per day, per pound that they weigh. If you're a female, we'll cap that daily total between 150-175 grams, and if you're a male, we'll cap it between 225 and 250 grams of protein per day.

Should I eat in a surplus on rest days?

Yes, if you're bulking, it's generally recommended to maintain a calorie surplus on rest days as well. Here are a few reasons why: Muscle Recovery: Rest days are essential for muscle recovery and growth. Consuming enough calories helps provide the nutrients necessary for recovery processes.

How Much Protein You Really Need (According to Science)

Should I still eat a lot on rest days?

Yes, your total energy output may be lower on the days you don't complete a structured workout, but your body is still working hard beneath the surface to recover (not to mention the important role food plays in maintaining all your usual bodily functions) and you need plenty of nutrients and energy to support this.

Should you eat the same amount of protein as your body weight?

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is a modest 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or 0.36 grams per pound.

What is the 1 10 protein rule?

The 10 to 1 Protein Ratio Rule is a straightforward guideline for checking if your protein source is lean and healthy. The rule states that for every 10 calories in a food, you should get at least 1 gram of protein. This means, if a food item has 30 grams of protein, it shouldn't contain more than 300 calories.

Can too much protein have side effects?

Consuming more protein than the body needs can cause symptoms such as intestinal discomfort, dehydration, nausea, fatigue, headaches, and more. Chronic protein overconsumption can also increase the risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, blood vessel disorders, liver and kidney issues, and seizures.

What happens if I workout everyday but don t eat enough protein?

Lower Energy Levels and Strength – Without enough protein, energy levels may dip, leading to sluggish workouts and decreased performance. Protein helps regulate blood sugar levels and supports muscle function, both essential for sustained energy.

What might the 5 signs of a protein deficiency be?

Top 10 Signs You Might Be Protein Deficient
  • Weakness and Fatigue. ...
  • Hair Loss and Brittle Nails. ...
  • Frequent Illness and Slow Healing. ...
  • Swelling (Edema) ...
  • Cravings and Increased Appetite. ...
  • Muscle Loss and Joint Pain. ...
  • Mood Changes and Mental Fog. ...
  • Skin Problems.

Is too much protein bad for your kidneys?

Several studies have shown a link between high protein intake and increased albuminuria or proteinuria as an early indicator of kidney damage.

Is it OK to eat a lot of protein without working out?

Generally, having a little extra protein in your diet when you're not working out isn't a major issue. The biggest downside is that it can stress out the kidneys (particularly if that protein comes from animal sources), so those with kidney issues may want to be more mindful.

Do muscles grow on rest days?

Downtime between workouts (whether you're lifting, doing cardio or training for a sport) is when our bodies have a chance to actually build muscle. Strenuous workouts cause muscle breakdown, while rest allows our bodies to build it back up.

Should I take protein on cardio days?

Essentially, protein acts as a source of fuel during workouts, helping to sustain your energy levels and allowing you to do longer and more intense exercise sessions. In contrast to carbohydrates, which get used up quickly during intense cardiovascular exercise, protein provides a more long-lasting source of energy.

Do I still need protein on rest days?

Protein helps repair and strengthen these microtears, building more muscle in the process. As discussed above, your rest days are actually recovery days, so the function of protein becomes even more important.

How many rest days per week?

Deciding how many rest days a week you should take depends on your fitness level and exercise intensity. But most people should aim for 1 to 3 rest days per week. You can use your rest days to support recovery by doing light exercise and working on mobility.

Is it better to take pre-workout or protein shakes?

Pre-workout powder is a supplement designed to boost performance and should be taken before a workout. In contrast, protein powder is a supplement designed to support recovery and muscle building. It's usually taken after a workout. Though pre-workout powder is popular, it's not essential for a good workout.

What is the 50 30 20 protein rule?

One approach to getting healthy is the so-called 50/30/20 diet. It's based on the idea that 50 percent of your daily calorie intake should come in the form of carbohydrates, 30 percent from protein and 20 percent from fat.

What is the 20 minute protein rule?

It recommends the consumption of 20g of protein within 20 minutes of exercising. The body is most receptive to amino acids in this period and can optimally utilise them to repair muscle tissue that has been damaged during exercise and maximally stimulate protein synthesis (muscle building).

What is the best protein bar?

  • Pure Protein Bars - Best Overall Protein Bar for Weight Loss. ...
  • Perfect Bar: Most Filling Protein Bar for Weight Loss. ...
  • Bulletproof Protein Bar - Best Low-Carb Protein Bar for Weight Loss. ...
  • think! ...
  • RXBar - Best High-Fiber Protein Bar for Weight Loss. ...
  • Dang Bar - Best Keto Protein Bar for Weight Loss.

What are the symptoms of too much protein in the body?

6 Signs You Could Be Eating Too Much Protein
  • Frequent Urination.
  • Funky Feeling.
  • Constipation.
  • Weight Gain.
  • Tired All The Time.
  • Bad Breath.

Will I lose body fat if I eat more protein?

Some studies find that consuming a higher than usual amount of protein in your diet may offer benefits. For example, eating or drinking products that are high in protein may help you lower body fat, keep lean muscle, feel full and lose weight.

What is 30 grams of protein for breakfast?

Here is a list of foods that provide roughly 30 grams of protein: 1.5 cups of Greek yogurt (opt for unsweetened and add your own toppings) 1 cup cottage cheese. 5 large eggs, or 2-3 eggs mixed with extra egg whites.

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