I have a protein queston-not meaning to hijack the thread, but didn't want to start another thread on protein!

I have always craved 'meat', stemming from very heavy periods is my guess, but since I have had a hysterectomy, I no longer have that issue. But I still crave protein and I assume my body needs it. So I think I am eating adequate protein. I donate plasma and have never had low protein counts. I have a friend that eats what I eat, is a hard core cyclist, donates plasma, but he always gets low protein counts.

We do the same workouts, I think I eat a little more protein than he does, I donate plasma several months in a row with never an issue with low protein levels. He cannot donate more than like 3 or 4 times in a row without lower protein counts. Why is this?

I think it is because he has such large muscles, and really works hard in our training classes, his muscles require more protein so metabolizes it faster than I do. That is my guess, is this accurate?

I don't know how donating plasma would cause lower protein, since you get your red blood cells back, so we are at a loss of why this is always happening. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

I am planning on changing our diets so he will eat more protein rich foods. He already drinks a LOT of milk, cheese, and meat. So I will just increase the beans, rice and yogurt and eggs. Hopefully this will help.