Creating a Protein Profile

1. Check the label of each food consumed to ascertain the protein content. If the food is not processed, a nutrition book will list the protein content of foods such as meats, fruits, vegetables, and grains.

2. At the end of three days, divide the total by three to find a daily protein average.

3. Divide your weight in pounds by 2.2, which is the number of kilograms (kg) in a pound.

4. Last, divide your daily protein average by your weight in kilograms.

If you are an average American and the results show you are above 0.8 - 1.1 g protein/ kg body weight, you are probably consuming too much protein. If you are an athlete and come in under 1.3 g/kg, you are most likely in negative nitrogen balance and need to eat more protein.