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Callum Parker
November 25, 2025

How Much Protein To Eat Each Day

Learn exactly how much protein to eat daily for fat loss, muscle gain, and longevity using accurate DEXA Scan lean mass data.

Author
5 min read
How Much Protein To Eat Each Day

Protein is one of the most important nutrients for body composition, metabolism, and long term health. But most people have no idea how much they actually need. Eating too little slows muscle growth, reduces strength, increases hunger, and makes fat loss harder. Eating too much is rarely an issue, but eating the right amount is what creates the best results.

At Kalos, we use DEXA Scan data to help clients determine how much protein they should eat based on their lean mass, goals, and metabolic health. This ensures their daily intake supports fat loss, muscle retention, and long term vitality.

Why Protein Matters for Your Body

Protein supports more than just muscle growth. It is essential for:

  • Recovery and tissue repair
  • Hormone production
  • Immune health
  • Metabolism
  • Satiety and hunger control
  • Performance and strength
  • Fat loss and body recomposition

If your protein intake is too low, your progress slows in every area.

How Much Protein Should You Eat Per Day?

The ideal protein intake depends on your goals, lean mass, and activity level. Here are the evidence based targets:

For Fat Loss

Aim for 0.8 to 1.0 grams per pound of body weight.

Higher protein helps preserve muscle while in a calorie deficit.

For Muscle Gain

Aim for 0.9 to 1.1 grams per pound of body weight.

This supports growth and recovery from strength training.

For Body Recomposition

Aim for 1.0 gram per pound of body weight.

This helps lose fat and build muscle at the same time.

For General Health and Longevity

Aim for 0.7 to 0.8 grams per pound of body weight.

Higher levels are still beneficial but not essential.

Why Lean Mass Is the Best Way to Calculate Protein Needs

Using body weight alone is better than nothing, but using lean mass gives the most accurate estimate.

A DEXA Scan tells you exactly how much lean mass you have.

Once you know that number, you can calculate protein intake with precision.

For example:

If your lean body mass is 140 lbs, your protein goal would be:

  • 112 to 154 grams per day depending on your goals

This removes all guesswork and ensures your protein intake aligns with your composition.

Signs You Are Not Eating Enough Protein

You may need more protein if you experience:

  • Constant hunger
  • Low energy
  • Slow recovery after workouts
  • Trouble losing fat
  • Muscle loss on a DEXA scan
  • Weak or declining strength
  • Hair or nail thinning
  • Reduced performance

Many Kalos clients discover through DEXA that their lean mass is lower than expected. Increasing protein intake often leads to immediate improvements.

Best Protein Sources for Daily Intake

Animal Based

  • Chicken
  • Turkey
  • Lean beef
  • Eggs
  • Greek yogurt
  • Fish and seafood
  • Cottage cheese

Plant Based

  • Tofu
  • Tempeh
  • Lentils
  • Beans
  • Edamame
  • Pea or soy protein powder

Convenient Options

  • Whey protein
  • Protein bars
  • Ready to drink shakes
  • High protein yogurts

Aim to split your protein across 3 to 4 meals for better absorption and recovery.

How to Hit Your Daily Protein Targets Easily

  • Include protein at every meal
  • Eat more protein at breakfast
  • Use shakes or bars to fill gaps
  • Prioritize high protein snacks
  • Track intake to ensure consistency

High protein diets naturally reduce cravings and keep you fuller longer, making fat loss easier.

Real World Example

A Kalos client was eating only 60 to 70 grams of protein per day despite strength training four times a week. Their DEXA scan revealed declining lean mass. After increasing protein intake to 140 grams per day and improving meal structure, their next scan showed:

  • 4 lbs of lean muscle gained
  • Improved metabolic rate
  • Better recovery and energy

The change came from hitting the right protein target consistently.

The Bottom Line

Protein is the foundation of a strong, lean, healthy body. By using DEXA Scan data to determine your ideal protein intake, you can support your metabolism, preserve muscle, improve fat loss, and perform at your best.

Eat enough protein each day and you will see measurable, lasting improvements in your physique and health.

Book Your DEXA Scan with Kalos Today in Downtown San Francisco or Palo Alto!

If you are ready to take control of your health with the most accurate body composition analysis available, it is time to book your DEXA scan at Kalos. Whether you are looking to get lean, build muscle, improve performance, or optimize longevity, our advanced technology and expert guidance will help you get there.

Schedule your scan today at Kalos, your journey to data-driven fitness starts now.

Schedule your DEXA scan today!

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