In the latest escalation of the protein fad, bottles of protein-enhanced water greet me at the City Market checkout line. This is a step too far, not everything needs added protein.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the average adult needs 0.8 g of protein per kilogram of bodyweight. Even athletes only need 1.2-1.7 g/kg, meaning that an average adult only needs 64-96 grams of protein per wwday, divided among all meals and snacks.

This is commonly simplified into 20-30 grams per meal, which is easily achievable. A simple meal of chicken, rice and vegetables has 25 grams of protein. For most people, there is no need for supplements.

Poultry, dairy products, fish, meat, eggs and legumes are all great sources of protein that easily fulfill your daily requirements.

The trend of protein packed snack foods has risen over the past few years, with even generic brands like Kroger getting in on the action (they are responsible for the protein-water abomination). It’s not only unnecessary, but more expensive too.

Lining the shelves of the grocery store, I have seen protein cereal, pancakes, popcorn and tortillas. The amount of protein food is prominently displayed on the front of packaging, even foods that have only a couple of grams.

Eating excessive protein isn’t going to help your “gains.” The body can’t store protein, so excessive protein is used for immediate energy or stored as fat.

Now, in addition to scientific backed data, I have a personal stake in the increasingly advancing protein war. If you take a closer look at the ingredients of these protein-enriched foods, you’ll find that the most common protein source is pea protein or soy protein, which are derived from legumes. I am very allergic to legumes. Specifically, the proteins in legumes. So foods with added pea protein or soy protein are dosed with Dana-poison, like a personal f-you from the universe.

The excessive protein trend has been the cause of many a grocery store crash-out as I scour the aisles for something I can eat. Even in Rowdy’s, I pace in circles, scanning ingredient lists for a quick and filling snack between classes.

All of the “normal” non-protein enriched foods are still in the grocery store, but they are overshadowed by their muscle-y counterparts and harder to find. At the end of the day, why spend the extra money for protein popcorn when meat and cheese are already there? Enjoy your hot-girl charcuterie and feel satisfied that you’ve met your protein goals.