Muscle tissue cross section 🔎💪 . We know that muscle burns more calories than fat: Each day, our muscle burns 14 calories per pound (30 calories per kg), while fat burns 3 calories per pound (6 calories per kg). . When it comes to protein in our diet, a general rule is that we need at least 1 gram of protein per pound of LEAN body mass (2 grams per kg lean body mass) per day. Protein intake in our diet is essential in curbing appetite (too little protein intake will just lead to higher carb and fat intake) and in helping maintain and build more muscle 💪