Protein timing and distribution are important, but not more important than simply eating enough protein. This doesn’t mean timing is irrelevant. Spreading protein relatively evenly across the day is a reasonable strategy for maximizing opportunities to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. But emerging evidence challenges the idea that the body can only “use” 25-30 grams of protein at a time. In one study, researchers compared 25 g vs. 100 g of protein after exercise. The 100-g dose produced a greater and more prolonged increase in muscle protein synthesis, with very little of the additional amino acids being oxidized. The extra protein wasn’t simply “wasted.” Larger protein meals take longer to digest and absorb, extending the period during which amino acids are available to support tissue protein synthesis. Practically, consuming your daily protein across 2-3 larger meals is not inherently inferior simply because individual meals contain far more than 25-30 grams.