After a few months of lurking at the site and at the forums, I decided to jump into the action! :nod: My name is Eric, I am 21 years old and after seeing this site I have a new dedication to health and fitness.

At the end of 2003, I got up to about 170 pounds. (I'm about 5'9"). I was starting to notice that I was actually getting a little chunky, and it was pretty scary because I've done sports all my life and been in shape. Although I drink about 100 ounces water a day, and haven't had a caffeine soda in 2 years. Still, I wasn't in good shape.

Since then, I have quit sugar (except natural sugar in fruits) and cut down on saturated fat. I've lost 20 lbs. in about a month and a half, and am now done to my natural weight. I also just this week started supplements and vitamens (ON Whey Protein, GNC Mega Man multi-vitamen, 5g of power Fiber a day). Also, I am started working out this week on a routine I hope will stay. Three days a week I do cardio, and three days a week I do a different set of muscles. (Very similar to John's routine ;) )

I've never really been toned/muscular in my life, but I really believe if I continue eating right/working out as I am, it should only be a matter of months. Whew now that that is out of the way...my question!

Protein...I have read that 1g per pound is the amount one should have in a day. Some friends have told me this is not true though, that this excess protein can just turn into fat. So I was just curious as to what most of you think?

Well, hope you got through that ok, I look forward to talking to all of you in the forums! :tu: :cool: :tucool:

yes - aim for 1 or more grams per pound. :jumping:

I am 160 lbs and have been eating 200-220 grams of protein per day for 5 months since I started training (and I eat 3000 cals/day total)
John also eats over 200 grams of protein per day most of the time.

- I've had little if any fat gain, and I've put on almost 10 lbs of muscle... :flex:

is your goal to bulk or cut?

I'd like to get cut before I bulk.

200 grams a day eh? Sounds pretty tuff. Lots of tuna and protein shakes? :confused: Those have been my two most valuable protein sources thus far.

It's not too hard...

here are some easy sources:

cottage cheese
dairy milk
eggs (not more then one yolk/day though)
chicken breasts
salmon
peanut butter (natural; processed PB has hydrogenated veg oil and trans fats)