09/01/2026
“Am I eating enough protein?”
It is a good question—but it should not come before this one:
“Am I training in a way that gives my body a reason to build muscle?”
Progressive strength training provides the stimulus. Protein supports the response. It does not build or preserve muscle on its own.
The adult RDA is 0.8 g/kg/day, but women who strength train may benefit from closer to 1.6 g/kg/day. Beyond that, the benefit tends to flatten. Most women do not need to force down 1 gram per pound through extra snacks, bars and shakes—especially if fat loss is also a goal.
You also do not need to panic about a 30-minute “anabolic window.” Regular protein-containing meals across the day will do the job.
First, get the training right: structure, consistency, progressive demand, sufficient volume and effort, good range and control—and recovery.
Then eat enough protein without letting it become another source of anxiety.
This is post 10 in my summer series on what actually works in women’s strength training.
Save or share this reminder: protein supports the signal. It does not create it.