Protein and Weight Loss

samanthadelauder724

I'm really trying to lose the little belly fat I have so my abs will show, and I feel like I'm not seeing any progress. I log my food and always stay under my calorie goal, no added sugars, only good carbs, etc. I eat fairly clean and exercise 5-6 a week (30 min. cardio and 30 min. weight.) I've read that protein is great for weight loss, and I make sure to incorporate protein like eggs for breakfast, fish for lunch and dinner, and a protein bar after I work out, etc.. Am I getting enough protein?? Are protein shakes what I need to kickstart the rest of my weight loss?

samanthadelauder724

Side note: I get at least 70 grams of protein a day

AnthonyX150X

It doesn't what macronutrient you consume, weight loss comes down to calories in and calories out. The recommended amount of protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. Since your goal is fat loss, it is ideal to get an adequate amount of protein along with incorporating strength training.

kommodevaran

70 grams of protein is most likely enough (depends on how tall you are and how heavy that training is), no need for protein shakes unless you want to drink protein shakes. You don't kickstart weight loss and you can't spot reduce; belly fat is just the fat that happens to be on your stomach. You can focus on what you CAN do: Eat a variety of foods you like, so you don't get bored, log accurately, and stay active. Eating clean doesn't mean much, added sugar is chemically the same as naturally occurring sugar, good carbs isn't really a thing, and only calorie deficit is "good" for weight loss (in fact, required).

malibu927

Protein is great for ensuring muscle retention during weight loss, but it ultimately does not cause weight loss. As for if you're eating enough protein, what are your stats?

Maxematics

kommodevaran wrote: »

70 grams of protein is most likely enough (depends on how tall you are and how heavy that training is), no need for protein shakes unless you want to drink protein shakes. You don't kickstart weight loss and you can't spot reduce; belly fat is just the fat that happens to be on your stomach. You can focus on what you CAN do: Eat a variety of foods you like, so you don't get bored, log accurately, and stay active. Eating clean doesn't mean much, added sugar is chemically the same as naturally occurring sugar, good carbs isn't really a thing, and only calorie deficit is "good" for weight loss (in fact, required).

This. I have visible abs and I would not consider my diet "clean" by any means. Exercise and a calorie deficit/recomp is what did it.

JoshuaMcAllister

If its recommended that you aim for 70g of protein daily and you are hitting that with your regular diet there is no need to go out and buy a protein powder etc. Protein isn't the weight loss aide you seem to think it is, during a calorie deficit protein will help repair muscles used in strength training and help prevent muscle loss whilst loosing weight.

ElJefePerron

Ok: weight loss on its own is CICO.
However, don't listen to the people who say that chemical sugar and natural sugar are the same. Molecularly, yes... But "good carbs" from fruit and carbs with a better glycemic index are better for you in the long run. Fruits and veggies provide a lot of needed micronutrients and fibre to flush your system.

When you're in a calorie deficit, you want to maximize your intake to cover a healthy diet. Does that mean no sweets ever? No...

Protein: I snack on a mango/vanilla smoothie ( 70g frozen mangoes +a scoop of pure protein. Powder) at night to boost my protein, but I ensure its counted for in my daily caloric consumption.

JoshuaMcAllister

ElJefePerron wrote: »

Ok: weight loss on its own is CICO.
However, don't listen to the people who say that chemical sugar and natural sugar are the same. Molecularly, yes... But "good carbs" from fruit and carbs with a better glycemic index are better for you in the long run. Fruits and veggies provide a lot of needed micronutrients and fibre to flush your system.

When you're in a calorie deficit, you want to maximize your intake to cover a healthy diet. Does that mean no sweets ever? No...

Protein: I snack on a mango/vanilla smoothie ( 70g frozen mangoes +a scoop of pure protein. Powder) at night to boost my protein, but I ensure its counted for in my daily caloric consumption.

And the points for derailing the topic go to....

kommodevaran

Nobody here denies the nutritional benefits of fruit, vegetables and dairy. But the sugar in them is still sugar. Getting enough of all the nutrients you need, is important for your health, energy levels, satiety. If you want to lose weight, you don't want to be hungrier than you have to. But you don't want to feel deprived of everything you like, either. A good balance of taste and nutrition is a great help to stick to your allotted calories.

samanthadelauder724

Thank you guys so much!!