💪 Muscle Preservation Protein Calculator

Calculate the minimum protein needed to preserve muscle mass during intermittent fasting. Growth hormone elevation during fasting helps, but adequate protein during your eating window is essential for preventing muscle loss.

Formula: Minimum: 1.2g/kg body weight | Optimal for IF: 1.6-2.0g/kg | Muscle building with IF: 2.0-2.2g/kg | Per meal: 0.4-0.55g/kg (maximize MPS per meal)

How to Calculate

Understanding the math behind your fasting practice helps you make informed decisions. While FastMinder handles much of this automatically, knowing the formulas gives you deeper insight into what the numbers mean and how to adjust your approach.

Use the formula and reference ranges below to calculate your personal values. Remember that individual variation is significant; these calculations are starting points, not absolute rules.

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Reference Ranges

Ranges: Sedentary faster: 1.2g/kg | Active faster: 1.6g/kg | Strength training faster: 2.0-2.2g/kg

Example Calculations

InputResult
160 lbs, active, 16:8116-145g protein total, 39-48g per meal (3 meals)
200 lbs, strength training, 16:8182-200g protein total, 61-67g per meal (3 meals)
130 lbs, moderate activity, 18:695-118g protein total, 47-59g per meal (2 meals)

How FastMinder Helps

FastMinder automates many fasting-related calculations, showing you metabolic milestones, fasting phases, and progress tracking without manual math. Simply start your fast and let FastMinder display your progress in real time.

Track your results over time in FastMinder to see how your fasting practice affects your metrics. Trends are more meaningful than single calculations because they show the direction and rate of your progress.

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Important Considerations

All calculations are estimates based on averages. Your individual results will vary based on genetics, body composition, activity level, and metabolic health. Use these calculators as starting points, then adjust based on your actual experience tracked in FastMinder.

For medical decisions, always consult with a healthcare professional rather than relying solely on calculator estimates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is this calculator?

This calculator uses established formulas from nutritional and sports science research. However, all calculations are estimates. Your individual results may vary based on genetics, body composition, metabolic rate, and other factors. Use these as guidelines and track your actual results in FastMinder.

How often should I recalculate?

Recalculate every 4-8 weeks or whenever your body weight, fitness level, or fasting goals change significantly. FastMinder tracks your progress continuously, providing ongoing data without manual recalculation.

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