Protein Problem?
kiela64
Posts: 1,447 Member
I realized that I'm consistently under in the protein category by ~20g. Some days I have only had 10g left, but others it's still asking for 30g more.
Usually my breakfast is lowest in protein, about 10g at the most, and the other meals are a bit higher, closer to 15g or 20g.
Is this a problem?
Usually my breakfast is lowest in protein, about 10g at the most, and the other meals are a bit higher, closer to 15g or 20g.
Is this a problem?
0
Replies
-
Just took a peak at your diary and your fat and protein seem a bit low, but if MFP set it this way that is probably why. What are your goals?0
-
It might be a problem depending on your total body weight, the amount of your deficit as well as the total amount of calories you are eating, what your macros are set at, and whether or not you are exercising.0
-
Depends on what protein is set for in the first place. In general, I'd try more to hit protein.0
-
I tried hard for a while. I'd add cheese I didn't want to food. I ate more meat. I didn't like eating it or how I felt after I ate (not sick, just like I had gunk in my stomach.) Even as a child, my mom had to force me to eat little bits of meat. I just do not like it.
On occasion, I will crave some meat. But usually, I don't want any. It's very hard to get protein from other foods without eating a lot of them all the time. For me, anyway.
So, I fall short on protein. I suspect that they will one day figure out that not everyone needs that much protein, lol. It may be wishful thinking on my part. As of now, they say that we should eat it. We should all strive to eat healthy diets. I know it. But I just cannot make those protein goals without eating a bunch of food I don't want to eat and feeling like there are hunks of gunk in my stomach.
I'm kind of over protein. Bring on the fruits and veggies. I'm a rebel like that.0 -
If following MFP guideline for protein, even if you hit your goal, the amount is quite low. I would suggest aiming for at least 80 grams per day to start, and probably more when you get used to that. If you need to add in a protein shake, that can give you an extra 15-50 grams/day.
When in a caloric deficit, losing weight, protein is very important as if you don't get enough a larger % of your weight loss will actually come from lean muscle, not the fat you want to lose.0 -
I would try some protein bars or shakes. I try to stay away from the ones high in calories and have soy. (The nutritionist said soy doesn't process in most folks stomach as well.)
Premier chocolate shakes or quest bars (choc chip cookie dough) are my favorites.0 -
I would recommend googling "eat right for your blood type" -- also protein shakes are a good idea and an easy way to get extra protein in.0
-
I would recommend googling "eat right for your blood type" -- also protein shakes are a good idea and an easy way to get extra protein in.
Fad diet fallacy. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140115172246.htm
If you are looking to get more protein in I wouldn't advise protein bars and shakes as your main source. Greek yogurt, eggs, cottage cheese, beans, meat, seeds/nuts are by far better choices and leave the bars and powders for additional supplements if needed.0 -
Thanks!!!Just took a peak at your diary and your fat and protein seem a bit low, but if MFP set it this way that is probably why. What are your goals?
Weight loss is generally my goal. At the moment mfp is set to the 1.5lbs/week setting, though I'm still getting used to it and doubt that I've lost anything yet. At that setting, I'm consistently under the protein recommendations, though I seem to be over the fat recommendations sometimes.If following MFP guideline for protein, even if you hit your goal, the amount is quite low. I would suggest aiming for at least 80 grams per day to start, and probably more when you get used to that. If you need to add in a protein shake, that can give you an extra 15-50 grams/day.
When in a caloric deficit, losing weight, protein is very important as if you don't get enough a larger % of your weight loss will actually come from lean muscle, not the fat you want to lose.
When I exercise, mfp adds that to my caloric goal and the protein goes up to ~80g a day. I've never hit that much, and I definitely don't want to lose muscle since I don't have much to begin with. I might look into protein powder, just to add to breakfast, which specifically seems to be a very low protein meal.0 -
An easy way for me to get some extra protein is eating dry roasted edamame - 1/4 cup (30 grams) is 130 calories and 14 grams of protein. I like the wasabi edamame best, but the salted is good too.
amazon.com/Seapoint-Farms-Roasted-Edamame-3-5-Ounce/dp/B000G32YEG0 -
If you are looking to lose weight at the minimum I would just make sure you are hitting your calorie goals and don't get wrapped up in protein goals. If you exceed the calories (& other macros) it doesn't really matter since you won't be in a deficit. Protein is essential to ensure you don't lose muscle mass while losing weight so at what your goal is that should be pretty easy to hit if your diet is good without having to use protein powders. Plus protein powders are not going to expedite your weight loss and are expensive. My daily goal is 117g protein and I can hit that without having to use a supplement.0
-
If you are looking to lose weight at the minimum I would just make sure you are hitting your calorie goals and don't get wrapped up in protein goals. If you exceed the calories (& other macros) it doesn't really matter since you won't be in a deficit. Protein is essential to ensure you don't lose muscle mass while losing weight so at what your goal is that should be pretty easy to hit if your diet is good without having to use protein powders. Plus protein powders are not going to expedite your weight loss and are expensive. My daily goal is 117g protein and I can hit that without having to use a supplement.
When I'm within the calories and in a deficit, my protein is generally at 1/2 or 3/4 the recommended amount. My goal is to meet the protein recommendation on mfp, and all of the other macros. I tend to be a bit over on sugar and fibre, but drastically under in protein, which is my concern because protein is considered very important.
I'm curious as to how you eat that much protein, 117g sounds like a lot!! It seems like I'm hovering around 40-60g/day, while the recommendation is closer to 70-80g.0 -
You could always add in Beef Jerky as a snack( 80 calories for 10G of protein) Or some Greek Yogurt. You may have to get creative with changing up some of your foods. You can add in protein powder or bars, but I don't recommend them being your main source of protein.
Also, nothing wrong with going over your sugar goal. The MFP goal is notoriously low. (Unless you have a medical condition where you need to track your sugar).0 -
If you are looking to lose weight at the minimum I would just make sure you are hitting your calorie goals and don't get wrapped up in protein goals. If you exceed the calories (& other macros) it doesn't really matter since you won't be in a deficit. Protein is essential to ensure you don't lose muscle mass while losing weight so at what your goal is that should be pretty easy to hit if your diet is good without having to use protein powders. Plus protein powders are not going to expedite your weight loss and are expensive. My daily goal is 117g protein and I can hit that without having to use a supplement.
When I'm within the calories and in a deficit, my protein is generally at 1/2 or 3/4 the recommended amount. My goal is to meet the protein recommendation on mfp, and all of the other macros. I tend to be a bit over on sugar and fibre, but drastically under in protein, which is my concern because protein is considered very important.
I'm curious as to how you eat that much protein, 117g sounds like a lot!! It seems like I'm hovering around 40-60g/day, while the recommendation is closer to 70-80g.
I make sure I have high protein in all my meals daily coming from food. I do have a protein shake with added egg white during the week because I'm on the run and don't have time to sit down for breakfast. Of course I have a few rare days when I don't, but I try to stick to my macros at least 5-6 days a week especially on the days I workout. I seemed like a lot at first, but now most days I exceed that.
And it is ok to exceed sugar and fiber. MFP does not account for fruit sugars and without causing a deluge of antisugar comments sugar is not bad for you, but you need to have balance and everything in moderation.0 -
I try to have some protein in all my meals. I find protein especially helpful in my breakfast -- it seems to keep hunger under control and, since I exercise in the am, I need the energy0
-
I realized that I'm consistently under in the protein category by ~20g. Some days I have only had 10g left, but others it's still asking for 30g more.
Usually my breakfast is lowest in protein, about 10g at the most, and the other meals are a bit higher, closer to 15g or 20g.
Is this a problem?
I'd be hungry in an hour after any of the breakfasts you had over the last three days. However, if they satisfy you, their low protein ratio may not be a problem for you. Are you full until right before lunch? How are your energy levels?
Higher protein and fat and lower carbs than the MFP default is the ratio that works for me, but I know plenty of people who do quite well with low protein, low fat, and high carbs.
0 -
I tried hard for a while. I'd add cheese I didn't want to food. I ate more meat. I didn't like eating it or how I felt after I ate (not sick, just like I had gunk in my stomach.) Even as a child, my mom had to force me to eat little bits of meat. I just do not like it.
On occasion, I will crave some meat. But usually, I don't want any. It's very hard to get protein from other foods without eating a lot of them all the time. For me, anyway.
So, I fall short on protein. I suspect that they will one day figure out that not everyone needs that much protein, lol. It may be wishful thinking on my part. As of now, they say that we should eat it. We should all strive to eat healthy diets. I know it. But I just cannot make those protein goals without eating a bunch of food I don't want to eat and feeling like there are hunks of gunk in my stomach.
I'm kind of over protein. Bring on the fruits and veggies. I'm a rebel like that.
I gotta ask, since in another thread you compared aspartame to cigarettes, and you think that they will say one day that it's bad for everyone despite the 100's of studies that prove otherwise, and now, you are saying that you don't want to follow protein guidelines because you think it will show one day that we don't need as much as "they" say...
Anyone else see something "telling" about that?0 -
I compared the fights over aspartame to the fights over cigarettes, not the products.I tried hard for a while. I'd add cheese I didn't want to food. I ate more meat. I didn't like eating it or how I felt after I ate (not sick, just like I had gunk in my stomach.) Even as a child, my mom had to force me to eat little bits of meat. I just do not like it.
On occasion, I will crave some meat. But usually, I don't want any. It's very hard to get protein from other foods without eating a lot of them all the time. For me, anyway.
So, I fall short on protein. I suspect that they will one day figure out that not everyone needs that much protein, lol. It may be wishful thinking on my part. As of now, they say that we should eat it. We should all strive to eat healthy diets. I know it. But I just cannot make those protein goals without eating a bunch of food I don't want to eat and feeling like there are hunks of gunk in my stomach.
I'm kind of over protein. Bring on the fruits and veggies. I'm a rebel like that.
I gotta ask, since in another thread you compared aspartame to cigarettes, and you think that they will say one day that it's bad for everyone despite the 100's of studies that prove otherwise, and now, you are saying that you don't want to follow protein guidelines because you think it will show one day that we don't need as much as "they" say...
Anyone else see something "telling" about that?
You'd do well to re-read what I actually said. You'd see I did not say what you think I said.
0 -
I compared the fights over aspartame to the fights over cigarettes, not the products.I tried hard for a while. I'd add cheese I didn't want to food. I ate more meat. I didn't like eating it or how I felt after I ate (not sick, just like I had gunk in my stomach.) Even as a child, my mom had to force me to eat little bits of meat. I just do not like it.
On occasion, I will crave some meat. But usually, I don't want any. It's very hard to get protein from other foods without eating a lot of them all the time. For me, anyway.
So, I fall short on protein. I suspect that they will one day figure out that not everyone needs that much protein, lol. It may be wishful thinking on my part. As of now, they say that we should eat it. We should all strive to eat healthy diets. I know it. But I just cannot make those protein goals without eating a bunch of food I don't want to eat and feeling like there are hunks of gunk in my stomach.
I'm kind of over protein. Bring on the fruits and veggies. I'm a rebel like that.
I gotta ask, since in another thread you compared aspartame to cigarettes, and you think that they will say one day that it's bad for everyone despite the 100's of studies that prove otherwise, and now, you are saying that you don't want to follow protein guidelines because you think it will show one day that we don't need as much as "they" say...
Anyone else see something "telling" about that?
You'd do well to re-read what I actually said. You'd see I did not say what you think I said.
I apologize. I wasn't trying to imply that you compared aspartame itself to cigarettes. I was talking about the "science" so my apologies for being unclear.
You did say this.Some people (people who know, not Internet people) said aspartame is fine. Others said it wasn't. There were, "Well, in large doses, it's bad, but in small ones, it's good" things. The whole thing reminded me too much of the back and forth over smoking. Until they all agreed it was perfectly safe, I quit the pop.
And now in this thread, you said this...So, I fall short on protein. I suspect that they will one day figure out that not everyone needs that much protein, lol. It may be wishful thinking on my part. As of now, they say that we should eat it. We should all strive to eat healthy diets. I know it. But I just cannot make those protein goals without eating a bunch of food I don't want to eat and feeling like there are hunks of gunk in my stomach.
So my question is this.... You say you are going to not drink aspartame (more power to you) because you want everyone to agree on whether it's safe. Besides the fact that I don't know what you can eat if you want all of "they" to say it's safe since damn near everything is thought to be bad by someone, do you not see the issue with these two posts?
You want to wait for a clearer picture on aspartame even though there isn't anything reputable out there that says it is unsafe, yet, you are willing to "risk" it on getting enough protein despite the fact that there are protein minimums that are agreed upon by virtually every nutritionist/dietician/scientist/doctor out there?
Do you not see the strangeness of those two statements?
0 -
Hi @kae612, I think there will be a lot of different recommendations. But if you don't want to change your diet substantially and yet just boost your protein, I have some recommendations:
-Add wheat germ to things, like your AllBran or ground beef meals or blueberry muffins
-Add TVP to ground beef meals and things like soups/stews
-Eat more lentils instead of rice
-Add beans to things0 -
Pepsi took the aspartame out of the Diet Pepsi, so it's a non-issue.
I compared the fights over aspartame to the fights over cigarettes, not the products.I tried hard for a while. I'd add cheese I didn't want to food. I ate more meat. I didn't like eating it or how I felt after I ate (not sick, just like I had gunk in my stomach.) Even as a child, my mom had to force me to eat little bits of meat. I just do not like it.
On occasion, I will crave some meat. But usually, I don't want any. It's very hard to get protein from other foods without eating a lot of them all the time. For me, anyway.
So, I fall short on protein. I suspect that they will one day figure out that not everyone needs that much protein, lol. It may be wishful thinking on my part. As of now, they say that we should eat it. We should all strive to eat healthy diets. I know it. But I just cannot make those protein goals without eating a bunch of food I don't want to eat and feeling like there are hunks of gunk in my stomach.
I'm kind of over protein. Bring on the fruits and veggies. I'm a rebel like that.
I gotta ask, since in another thread you compared aspartame to cigarettes, and you think that they will say one day that it's bad for everyone despite the 100's of studies that prove otherwise, and now, you are saying that you don't want to follow protein guidelines because you think it will show one day that we don't need as much as "they" say...
Anyone else see something "telling" about that?
You'd do well to re-read what I actually said. You'd see I did not say what you think I said.
I apologize. I wasn't trying to imply that you compared aspartame itself to cigarettes. I was talking about the "science" so my apologies for being unclear.
You did say this.Some people (people who know, not Internet people) said aspartame is fine. Others said it wasn't. There were, "Well, in large doses, it's bad, but in small ones, it's good" things. The whole thing reminded me too much of the back and forth over smoking. Until they all agreed it was perfectly safe, I quit the pop.
And now in this thread, you said this...So, I fall short on protein. I suspect that they will one day figure out that not everyone needs that much protein, lol. It may be wishful thinking on my part. As of now, they say that we should eat it. We should all strive to eat healthy diets. I know it. But I just cannot make those protein goals without eating a bunch of food I don't want to eat and feeling like there are hunks of gunk in my stomach.
So my question is this.... You say you are going to not drink aspartame (more power to you) because you want everyone to agree on whether it's safe. Besides the fact that I don't know what you can eat if you want all of "they" to say it's safe since damn near everything is thought to be bad by someone, do you not see the issue with these two posts?
You want to wait for a clearer picture on aspartame even though there isn't anything reputable out there that says it is unsafe, yet, you are willing to "risk" it on getting enough protein despite the fact that there are protein minimums that are agreed upon by virtually every nutritionist/dietician/scientist/doctor out there?
Do you not see the strangeness of those two statements?
I try very hard to eat a healthy and well-balanced diet. I worked very hard to get sodium under control. There are a few micros I continue to focus on. I am often short on protein. I have tried very hard to eat the amount they suggest for all, but I just don't like those foods, so I do what I can without feeling like my whole life has to revolve around protein. I've given up the fight on protein. Maybe I'll try again and win, maybe not.
If it's strange, then so be it.
0 -
And someone's trying to pick a fight... *looks for popcorn*0
-
Asking for some kind of reconciliation of "I want to wait for all the answers, even if there is no genuine debate on Product A" and "I'm hoping for a different answer at some point in the future, even if there is no genuine debate on Macro P" doesn't seem like picking a fight to me.And someone's trying to pick a fight... *looks for popcorn*
0 -
Quest bars?0
-
@Hornsby - would you please provide some links that explain the reasoning behind the protein minimums?there are protein minimums that are agreed upon by virtually every nutritionist/dietician/scientist/doctor out there
I want to see how they word the recommendations.0 -
Protein is especially important for dieters in conjunction with some form of resistance training to retain lean muscle mass. I cannot remember where I've read this, but even my doctor agreed that's it's a good idea to eat more protein while dieting than what's generally recommended for this reason.
I don't know about anyone else, but I'd like to minimize the amount of muscle I lose and maximize fat loss as my weight drops.
There are plenty of sources of protein that aren't meat. Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, cheese, beans, quinoa, and various forms of protein supplements like protein bars and powders. I'm a vegetarian, that's how I get all of my protein.0 -
Here's an article outlining the government recommendation and explaining it. For some reason, the actual government link won't load on my computer.
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/usda-protein-requirements-grams-8619.html
It should be noted that these recommendations are lower than what's floated around in here, and especially note the caveat about more needed if you're active or training.0 -
I notice that you eat high carb/high calorie snacks and lots of fruits. Is there anyway you could substitute in a protein shake or add protein powder to anything if you're doing a smoothie or something? Also, you could maybe try adding some sort of sausage to your breakfast or switch it up and eat some eggs. If you're eating toast look for breads that have a higher protein content (at least 5g+) so 2 slices is 10g or more right there. String cheese, cottage cheese and greek yogurt are also good options that you could add to some of the meals you're eating.0
-
Thanks @PeachyCarol! I figured there would be some sort of qualification like "half of all healthy people" or "97 to 98 percent of individuals."
@Kalikel - if you're willing to share, where are you on either of these recommendations from Carol's link?
Daily protein requirements in grams are reported in two ways: estimated average requirement, or EAR, and recommended dietary allowance, or RDA. The EAR is the amount needed to meet the protein requirements of half of all healthy people, whereas the RDA is the amount needed to maintain the health of 97 to 98 percent of individuals in groups according to age and gender. The daily EAR for adults is 0.66 grams of protein for every 2 pounds of weight. The RDA for adult men and women is 0.8 grams of protein for every 2 pounds of body weight. The RDA is usually reported as a single value, which makes it the easiest to use. The RDA for women is 46 grams daily; men need 56 grams of protein daily.0
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.4K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.2K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 426 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.7K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions