Know this: Your body doesn't need loads of protein. Even if you exercise regularly, you don't need any more protein than the average couch potato! Most Americans consume more than enough protein, averaging 77.5 grams a day, or 146 percent of the Dietary Reference Intake (53 grams) for a 145-pound adult.

If it were true that only a high-protein diet was important for building muscles, everyone on the Atkins-type diet would look like a bodybuilder. The best diet is one that contains 15-20 percent lean protein, 55-60 percent carbs and 20-30 percent fat. Eat-this way and you'll have no trouble achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.