I think protein is over rated, yeh we need it course we do n it does give you an edge if training hard, but I've tried doing a couple of months without it n didnt notice any difference in how i looked n performed, when I say without it I mean extra like protein drinks supps etc, n just got my protein from food but not goin out of my way to get the right amount n best source, you always have to train hard n well don't you whatever you eat but the best shape I've been in was when just eatin clean natural food not dietin or anything or eatin so many times a day at the right time, but a good break