Do you have a question for a dietitian? Let me try and answer your nutrition controversies during this important National Nutrition Month. One question I get regularly is how much protein a healthy person should eat. To figure out how many grams of protein you require. Divide your weight by 2.2 to convert your pounds to kilograms. Multiply that number by .8. This gives you the grams per day required for growth and development. As we age, over 65 I would recommend going to 1.0-1.2 g/kg and if you are lifting weights or body building 1.2-1.4 is sufficient.
Here's some math in action with real food suggestions.
For example:
180 pound person: 81.8kg x .8 = 65 g protein per day
120 pound requires approximately 43g protein
Protein content of common foods: An egg has 6 g protein, 8 oz glass of milk has 8 g protein, 4 oz chicken breast has 40g protein, 1/3 cup of chickpeas has 5 g protein. Look at the food label to check out the portion size and protein per serving of your favorite foods.
Send me your questions about eating more healthfully. I'll do my best to answer everyone's requests.