Ok, I have not seen this issue brought up in standalone fashion, and figured a post was warranted. Why? The US dietary advice is screwed up for MEN. In my opinion, it is the result of the feminine imperative. The governments RDA's are suspiciously similar to what women and children need, but not what a man needs. Here is a link to an article discussing protein allowance issues.

http://breakingmuscle.com/nutrition/how-much-protein-do-you-need-science-weighs-in

Summary:

Anyway, overall protein needs are often expressed as the ABSOLUTE MINIMUM needed to not lose any muscle or have health problems. This figure is 0.36g/lb per day which translates to 65g per day for a 180lb individual. This is what is required to not suffer any adverse affects living a very sedentary life. This is essentially a person that just lays around all day and does not move.

So what is the real recommended level for a person that actually wishes to walk and move around? That would be 0.55g/lb per day. Hey now what if you actually want to workout and improve your body by lifting? This number then shoots up to 1g/lb per day. EDITED At the request of posters many consider 0.7-0.8g/lb of lean mass per day as being the optimal amount for seasoned lifters/athletes. Most scientific research supports this position for athletes that are experienced. Some studies have indicated that untrained athletes can benefit from higher levels of protein than 0.7-0.8 g/lb.

So that means a man that weighs 180lbs would need 99-180g/day to actually have energy, and experience life without muscle loss and wasting everyday of their life. To put this in perspective 189g of protein is found in 2lbs of chicken breast. This is the amount of protein needed EVERYDAY for a 180lb man to be confident that his needs are met each and everyday. EDITED At 10% body fat with the 0.7-0.8g/lb this would translate to 114-130 g protein per day.

Going with the red pill mentality of lifting to make oneself better, we all should be shooting for 1g/lb per day as the minimum. This is what is needed to achieve the maximum benefits of the Red Pill life.

Thoughts:

A good diet is expensive. Chicken and pork tend to be the cheapest sources of protein. Milk can be cheap depending on location. Bulk protein powders are not that far behind in price. Beans, and whole grains, are also ok sources of protein. The most important thing is figuring out what you can do, and stick with it everyday. Buy an electric pressure cooker or slow cooker and make large batches of cheap meat, beans, or whole grains. EDITED Eggs are also an awesome source of lower cost protein.

Overall, diet is more important than lifting. Your body will break down muscles not damaged to heal the muscles you hit when you lift. Lifting without adequate protein is the male Hamster on crack. It is stupid and will not give the full benefit of your hard work.

Address your protein needs before you begin lifting. Realize if you have been running a deficit your body will take a few weeks to adjust and you will probably gain weight. Chances are most of this weight will be muscle growth that you have been inhibiting. Lastly consider getting good vitamins if eating healthy pinches your wallet, and your variety goes down due to cost constraints.

Challenge:

Eat 1g/lb per day for the next month of low calorie sources of protein. Supplement with a good vitamin if food cost/variety is an issue. Keep track of energy and progress on muscle growth, and try to ignore any weight gain. Then decide if it is worth it to you to make a permanent lifestyle change.