Protein calculator for lifters
Eat for the gains you're training for
Enter your bodyweight and get your daily protein target, how much to eat at each meal and how much you have left today.
Your protein target
Most lifters aim for 0.7–1.0 g of protein per pound of bodyweight. Pick your target, then log what you've eaten so far to see what's left.
- Protein per meal
- 36 g
- Still to eat today
- 144 g
- Goal reached today
- 0%
- Lower end of range (0.7 g/lb)
- 126 g
- Upper end of range (1.0 g/lb)
- 180 g
General guidance for healthy adults who train, not medical advice. Check with a doctor or dietitian if you have kidney issues or other health conditions.
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How to use LiftFuel
Use it in the morning, then check back during the day.
Weigh in
Enter your bodyweight in pounds. Weigh in first thing in the morning for the most consistent number.
Pick your target
Start around 0.7–0.8 g/lb. Move toward 0.9–1.0 g/lb during a cut or a heavy training block.
Split it across meals
Use the per-meal number to build each meal around a solid protein source. The foods and recipes below make it easy.
Log and top up
Enter what you've eaten so far and close the gap with your next meal or a shake.
Daily protein game plan
Tick off each feeding as you go. Hit most of these and your target takes care of itself.
0 of 7 done
Morning
Around training
Afternoon & evening
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Best foods for hitting your protein
Build your meals around these. Protein amounts are approximate per typical serving.
Chicken breast
About 35 g protein per 4 oz cooked. Lean, cheap and easy to batch-cook.
Lean ground beef (93%)
About 28 g per 4 oz cooked, plus iron and creatine for training.
Salmon
About 28 g per 4 oz cooked, with omega-3 fats to support recovery.
Canned tuna
About 25 g per 5 oz can. Shelf-stable and ready in seconds.
Eggs & egg whites
About 6 g per large egg and 26 g per cup of liquid egg whites.
Greek yogurt
About 23 g per cup (nonfat). Great at breakfast or as a snack.
Cottage cheese
About 25 g per cup. Slow-digesting casein makes it a good choice before bed.
Tofu, edamame & lentils
About 20 g per half block of firm tofu, 17 g per cup of edamame and 18 g per cup of cooked lentils.
Whey protein
About 24 g per scoop. The easiest way to top up after training.
High-protein recipes
Simple, lifter-friendly recipes. Protein per serving is approximate and depends on the brands you use.
Protein overnight oats~45 g protein · 1 serving · 5 min + overnight
Stir the oats, protein powder, Greek yogurt, milk and chia seeds together in a jar until smooth. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, top with the berries and eat cold, or microwave for 1–2 minutes if you prefer it warm.
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 scoop whey or casein protein (vanilla or chocolate)
- ¾ cup nonfat Greek yogurt
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp chia seeds
- ½ cup berries
Chicken, rice & veg meal-prep bowls~50 g protein per bowl · 4 servings · 35 min
Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Roast on a sheet pan at 425°F for 18–22 minutes until cooked through (165°F inside).
While it roasts, cook the rice and steam the broccoli. Divide everything into 4 containers. Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
- 1½ cups dry rice (white or brown)
- 4 cups broccoli florets
Big egg & egg-white scramble~40 g protein · 1 serving · 10 min
Sauté the spinach and peppers in a non-stick pan for 2 minutes. Whisk the eggs and egg whites, pour them in and stir gently over medium-low heat until just set.
Finish with the feta and serve with the toast.
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup liquid egg whites
- 1 handful spinach
- ¼ bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp crumbled feta
- 1 slice whole-grain toast
Lean beef & bean chili~40 g protein per serving · 6 servings · 45 min
Brown the beef with the onion in a large pot, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the garlic and spices and cook for 1 minute.
Stir in the tomatoes, beans and broth. Simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring now and then. Top each bowl with a spoonful of Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for extra protein.
- 2 lb 93% lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 onion, diced, and 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Spices
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt to taste
- 2 cans (15 oz) kidney or black beans, drained
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- Nonfat Greek yogurt to top
Greek yogurt tuna wraps~35 g protein per wrap · 2 servings · 10 min
Mix the tuna, Greek yogurt, mustard, celery, lemon juice and pepper in a bowl.
Divide between the tortillas, add the lettuce, roll up tightly and slice in half.
- 2 cans (5 oz) tuna in water, drained
- ⅓ cup nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- Squeeze of lemon and black pepper
- 2 high-protein tortillas
- Lettuce leaves
Crispy tofu & edamame stir-fry~30 g protein per serving · 2 servings · 25 min · plant-based
Press the tofu for 10 minutes, cube it and toss with the cornstarch. Fry in the oil over medium-high heat until golden on all sides, then set aside.
Stir-fry the vegetables and edamame for 4–5 minutes. Return the tofu, add the sauce and toss until glossy. Serve over rice or noodles.
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- 1 cup shelled edamame
- 2 cups mixed stir-fry vegetables
- Sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
Chocolate peanut butter recovery shake~36 g protein · 1 serving · 3 min
Blend everything for 30–60 seconds until smooth. It's a quick way to hit your post-workout protein or close the gap at the end of the day.
- 1 scoop chocolate whey protein
- 1 cup milk (or soy milk)
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- ½ frozen banana
- Handful of ice
Why protein matters under the bar
Training breaks muscle down, and protein gives your body what it needs to rebuild it stronger.
Build and keep muscle
Enough daily protein supports muscle growth when you're bulking and helps protect it when you're cutting.
Recover between sessions
Steady protein through the day supports repair, so you show up ready for the next heavy session.
Spread it out
Several protein feedings across the day are easier to hit than one huge meal.
Scale with your bodyweight
A 130 lb lifter and a 240 lb lifter need very different amounts. Targets per pound keep it personal.
Protein questions
Should I use my total bodyweight or my goal weight?
Most lifters use current bodyweight. If you carry a lot of body fat, using your goal weight gives a more realistic target.
Does protein timing matter?
Your daily total matters most. Spreading protein over 3–5 meals, with one near training, is a simple way to reach it.
Do I need protein shakes?
No, but they're a convenient way to close the gap when whole-food meals fall short.
Should I eat more protein when cutting?
Many lifters go toward the higher end, around 0.9–1.0 g per pound, in a calorie deficit to help hold on to muscle.
Is a high-protein diet safe?
For most healthy adults these amounts are widely used. If you have kidney problems or another medical condition, talk to your doctor first.