As a general rule - active people should eat between 1.5 to 2gms of protein per kilogram per day. Any more than that rate of consumption of protein/kg/day, you better be hitting "2-a-days" with tremendous frequency. This amount of protein intake is typically reserved for people that are training for hours a day (Ironman, prize-fighters, etc.).
The USDA states that one should have about 60gms of protein per day as part of their [2000K cal diet] and this is enough for the average American as they maintain an "active" lifestyle. The average American already consumes enough protein/day to maintain that recommendation. Of course, only about 25% of people maintain an "active" lifestyle.
Why so many quotation marks Manni?
That's a good question, Miss...
I have been using quotation marks because people that stick to only rec-league kickball games or go for brisk walks several times a week also fall into the realm of "active" according to the so-called experts. I am not bad-mouthing you, rec-league people, but I doubt that playing a game a kickball and then kicking back beers at the pub with your team-mates really is sufficient activity to justify upping your protein/caloric needs. To the walkers, it is great that you go out and try something active, but if you want more, you do more! OK, maybe I am being a bit unfair.... I digress, apologies. Where was I?... Oh yeah, Like I said, Paleo should not be taken as a pass for unlimited meat-fests. Your Paleo-centric nutrition is a diverse veggie+meat-fest (or - veggie+legume-fest for Jay and Sumi).
Like Tristan mentioned, I would also rather err on the side of a bit more protein than not enough. Here are the extremes - A lack of protein can lower all the functions of the body, but if you overload with protein it can put a strain on the body causing a high level of acidity. This was the main concern with Atkins fanatics; conditions such as acidosis or ketosis. When this occurs our bodies tend to use calcium from our bones and teeth to stop the acids breaking down our body tissues - Calcium is alkalinic. However, if you are veggie-fying yourself enough and not over protein-ifying, you are good. But Manni, I am not drinking Milk, where will I get calcium from?
Damnit! You didn't pay attention to my initial speech, did you.
I am gonna go take a nap......
