According to CrossFit's protein/calorie guidelines, which statement is correct?

According to CrossFit's protein/calorie guidelines, which statement is correct?

• A. The protein target should be 0.7–1.0 g per pound of lean body mass, with about 30% of calories from fat and 40% from low glycemic carbohydrates
• B. The protein target should be 2.0 g per pound of body weight and 70% of calories from fat
• C. Protein should be less than 0.3 g per pound of lean body mass
• D. Protein should be exactly 1.2 g per kilogram of body weight

Answer: (A)

Protein needs are best defined relative to lean body mass because the muscles you actually use during training drive protein turnover. The recommended range of 0.7–1.0 g per pound of lean mass provides enough amino acids for recovery and adaptation across different training loads, while keeping total calories aligned with fat and carbohydrate targets. Pairing that protein target with about 30% of calories from fat supports essential fatty acids and hormonal function, and around 40% of calories from low glycemic carbohydrates gives steady energy for high‑intensity work without large blood sugar spikes. This combination reflects a practical CrossFit approach: enough protein to support gains and repair, moderate fat for energy and hormones, and carbohydrates that fuel performance and recovery. Other options miss the mark by using total body weight instead of lean mass, proposing far too high a protein level, or using a per‑kilogram metric that doesn’t align with the lean‑mass basis of these guidelines.

Protein needs are best defined relative to lean body mass because the muscles you actually use during training drive protein turnover. The recommended range of 0.7–1.0 g per pound of lean mass provides enough amino acids for recovery and adaptation across different training loads, while keeping total calories aligned with fat and carbohydrate targets.

Pairing that protein target with about 30% of calories from fat supports essential fatty acids and hormonal function, and around 40% of calories from low glycemic carbohydrates gives steady energy for high‑intensity work without large blood sugar spikes. This combination reflects a practical CrossFit approach: enough protein to support gains and repair, moderate fat for energy and hormones, and carbohydrates that fuel performance and recovery.

Other options miss the mark by using total body weight instead of lean mass, proposing far too high a protein level, or using a per‑kilogram metric that doesn’t align with the lean‑mass basis of these guidelines.