Feb 27, 2023

#DoubleTheRDA

For some reason, people are refusing to put their necks on the line and speak out against this 82-year-old recommendation.

We'll almost definitely get a lot of stick for this but...

We think the RDA of 0.8g of protein per kg of body weight (g/kg) is an absolute joke.

The RDA was developed during WW2, in 1941, to aid the planning of procurement for the Army.

That's right, 82 years ago, and hasn't been updated since.

With the scientific research developments & studies that continue to prove that this figure isn't effective, HOW ARE WE STILL USING IT?

The guidelines are there to prevent deficiencies.

I could hit 0.81g/kg and be classified as barely non-deficient.

But surely we want to promote optimal health?!

If you're reading this then you'll most likely be looking to lose fat, gain muscle, and/or have a regular resistance training routine.

For all of these scenarios, 0.8g/kg isn't enough and has been shown to have a detrimental effect on your goals.

Our friends over at Examine (the experts who analyse all research and give us mere mortals a no BS guide) have this to say on the matter:

"According to the most comprehensive meta-analysis to date on the effects of protein supplementation on muscle mass and strength, the average amount of protein required to maximize lean mass is about 1.6 g/kg"

This is reiterated by the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) which recommend between 1.4-2.0g/kg as well as The American College of Sports Medicine, the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, and the Dietitians of Canada all recommended between 1.2-2.0g/kg.

People who know their stuff!

We're therefore launching a campaign and standing behind a movement to #DoubleTheRDA of protein.

That's right, we believe active people should be getting AT LEAST 1.6g of protein per kg of body weight.

In the same way the "5-a-day" plan (I think) has been great at giving people a tangible target, we feel #DoubleTheRDA could do the same.

Hey, you're just trying to sell your protein powder!

I'm not bebe. I INSIST that you get your protein from a wide range of sources (including plant-based), not just meat, fish, eggs, & protein powders.

And we're going to help you by providing as much information as we can on what your current intake actually is, how to increase your protein intake, & the importance of doing so.

If you average a minimum of 1.6g/kg for 80-90% for the next 3 months and onwards, I bet good money you'll be in better health.

I'm 75kg, so at a bare minimum, I'd have 120g of protein per day. Most of you probably think you hit your target quite easily, but it's harder than you think.

Especially if you lead a busy lifestyle.

A lot of the people we work with skip breakfast and have a takeaway lunch.

All of which have minimal protein.

We're creating a questionnaire to give you a guide as to how much protein you are really taking. Coming soon!

Let's get behind this movement and make a conscious effort to track and adjust our protein intake for optimal health.

Fuck the RDA, let's DOUBLE IT!