How Much Protein Can You Really Digest?

Sam, I know the importance of consuming protein during my day, and following a workout. My question is, how much protein is optimal before the body begins to store it as fat? I've heard that you should consume up to 50 or 60 grams of protein after a workout, but others claim that the body can only digest about 28 grams at a time. Who's right? —Michael

Actual assimilation of protein is from 18-25 grams, depending on your age, sex, BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) and physical condition. During training camp for the Olympics, they actually time protein delivery for each athlete and check assimilation rates. For the average person, it's 18-25 grams every 1.5-3 hours. You should intake a little more than this, because there is never 100% assimilation of the protein consumed due to heat and chemical processes in the body as well as the combination of nutrients. —Sam