According to the DRI or Dietary Reference Intake, use your body weight in kilograms and multiply it by 0.8 grams to get the amount of protein that you need. This amounts to about 56 grams of protein a day for a 155 pound sedentary man and 47 grams per day for a 130 pound sedentary woman.

To get a better estimate of protein content in common foods, 6 ounces of meat or fish contains about 50 grams of protein. One slice of cheese is about 10 grams and an egg is about 6 grams. Overall, if you are eating meat products, you are more than likely meeting your daily requirements for protein.

While I do not recommend the average person count every gram of protein they consume, it is good to be aware as too much protein can ultimately come along with some consequences such as a higher risk for kidney stones. Meat products also usually contain a higher saturated fat content than plant based proteins therefore a greater meat and animal product intake can come along with an increased risk for heart disease and colon cancer. Aim to get your protein from healthy sources such as low-fat dairy products, fish and nuts throughout the day to reduce these associated risks. If you are choosing to eat meat, stick to lean cuts like chicken or turkey breast along with a variety of other foods. For more information on appropriate protein consumption visit this link.