HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH? There is a lot of information on just how much protein you need to eat to gain the muscle you want to. It is true that protein builds muscle mass, but it can also be burned as energy instead of being used to build and recover muscle tissue. So what is the right balance? As an athlete, you need carbohydrates and protein both to reach a balance that will yield results. Bodybuilders need a carbohydrate-based diet since carbohydrates are stored in the muscle for energy. If you.