The following Mark's Daily Apple article was written by Marksissons,

and is narrated by Brock Armstrong.

Eight signs you probably don't need more protein.

Protein. It's the only macronutrient everyone embraces.

Vegans, vegetarians, sad dieters, and paleos always seem to be cramming more of it

down their throats, and usually more protein is a pretty good move.

Dieters, the elderly, the stressed, the wounded, the burned,

and many other populations tend to benefit from more protein. A few months ago I even talked

about 12 signs that indicate a person needs more protein. But there is an upper limit,

particularly for your wallet. Protein is expensive.

If you can find ways to reduce it in your diet without harming yourself or losing the benefits,

why wouldn't you do it?

Today I'm going to explain the eight signs that indicate you may have topped out on your protein. It's not that more

would necessarily harm you, more just might be pointless. You're obviously gaining muscle.

Here's the thing that a lot of strength training beginners don't understand. Gaining pure,

unadulterated muscle mass is hard work. It doesn't happen

overnight and no one except for genetic freaks and performance-enhancing drug enthusiasts

are putting on 10 pounds of muscle in a month. Heck, even 5 or 6 pounds is a huge stretch for a beginner.

So if you're noticing changes in the mirror, you're probably okay with the protein.

If your pants are getting looser around the waist, but tighter around the thighs and

butt, you're gaining good weight.

If friends are commenting on your gains, that's a sign that whatever amount of protein you're eating is working.

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