80/15/5

AnthonyX150X
AnthonyX150X Posts: 293 Member
edited December 2024 in Food and Nutrition
I recently started tracking my macronutrients and found that I eat a high amount of carbs in my diet.

My average calorie breakdown comes to 80% Carbohydrates/15% Fat/ 5% Protein. My carb intake is high and my protein intake is low, but I feel I have enough energy throughout the day and don't feel sluggish at all. Does anyone else have similar macronutrient percentages?
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Replies

  • DancingMoosie
    DancingMoosie Posts: 8,619 Member
    This does not sound healthy. What are you eating?
  • kommodevaran
    kommodevaran Posts: 17,890 Member
    How recently is recently, and what do you do to make sure you are tracking correctly? What's your calorie goal? Are you cutting, gaining or maintaining?
  • Wynterbourne
    Wynterbourne Posts: 2,235 Member
    You should definitely not be going any lower than 10% with your protein. It can be dangerous to do so.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    How are you managing to eat so little protein?
  • Gallowmere1984
    Gallowmere1984 Posts: 6,626 Member
    How are you managing to eat so little protein?

    My best guess would be lots and lots of potato chips, but they would have to be Olean chips to keep the fat that low as well. Jesus, do they still make those?
  • willnorton
    willnorton Posts: 995 Member
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    No, and having protein intake so low is dangerous. Dont believe the hype of the HCLF crowd, this can cause long term damage.

    plant based diets really go low... but 10% would be the very lowest you would want to do... i did the LCHF and ended up getting some heart problems......
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    willnorton wrote: »
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    No, and having protein intake so low is dangerous. Dont believe the hype of the HCLF crowd, this can cause long term damage.

    plant based diets really go low... but 10% would be the very lowest you would want to do... i did the LCHF and ended up getting some heart problems......

    In addition to this it is common to experience low sex hormones when on such a low fat low protein diet. I also eat plant based, but there is no reason to have such a ridiculous macronutrient ratio.
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    edited July 2016
    How are you managing to eat so little protein?

    My best guess would be lots and lots of potato chips, but they would have to be Olean chips to keep the fat that low as well. Jesus, do they still make those?

    I was going to suggest that plain potatoes would work even better if you allowed for some small amt of butter per potato, and wonder if maybe OP is doing McDougall, but turns out that 2000 g of potato plus an oz of butter is about 80-10-10 at 1750 calories. So not even that is as low protein as OP claims. If you keep the butter and half the potatoes and add in 1000 g of bananas, you are basically there, on 1900 calories.

    Not the most balanced diet.
  • amusedmonkey
    amusedmonkey Posts: 10,330 Member
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    How are you managing to eat so little protein?

    My best guess would be lots and lots of potato chips, but they would have to be Olean chips to keep the fat that low as well. Jesus, do they still make those?

    I was going to suggest that plain potatoes would work even better if you allowed for some small amt of butter per potato, and wonder if maybe OP is doing McDougall, but turns out that 2000 g of potato plus an oz of butter is about 80-10-10 at 1750 calories. So not even that is as low protein as OP claims. If you keep the butter and half the potatoes and add in 1000 g of bananas, you are basically there, on 1900 calories.

    Not the most balanced diet.

    Probably a fruit heavy diet.
  • AnthonyX150X
    AnthonyX150X Posts: 293 Member
    How recently is recently, and what do you do to make sure you are tracking correctly? What's your calorie goal? Are you cutting, gaining or maintaining?

    I recently started tracking macronutrients about a couple of weeks ago. I am in maintenance, but I eat my BMR of 1665 calories so I create a small deficit that adds up on the weekends where I can eat more.

    So at 1665 calories using the 80/15/5 ratio, I eat 333 grams of carbs, 28 grams of fat, and 21 grams of protein.

    Is this amount of protein really that detrimental to my health? Aren't there some vegans that eat about this amount?
  • RoxieDawn
    RoxieDawn Posts: 15,488 Member
    How recently is recently, and what do you do to make sure you are tracking correctly? What's your calorie goal? Are you cutting, gaining or maintaining?

    I recently started tracking macronutrients about a couple of weeks ago. I am in maintenance, but I eat my BMR of 1665 calories so I create a small deficit that adds up on the weekends where I can eat more.

    So at 1665 calories using the 80/15/5 ratio, I eat 333 grams of carbs, 28 grams of fat, and 21 grams of protein.

    Is this amount of protein really that detrimental to my health? Aren't there some vegans that eat about this amount?

    Yes it is.

    Your BMR calories is 1665 which is maintenance for you? This does not sound right.
  • B4Rachael
    B4Rachael Posts: 155 Member
    There are protein options that don't come from meat. If you are eating a lot of carbs try finding vegan alternatives that have protein added to them. I know there are noodles that are made out of legumes that are all protein so if you eat a lot of noodles you can switch to those and gain protein in your diet. There are lots of choices besides meat that will give you the protein you need. I will tell you that I have a protein supplement that I use when I know my choices have been deficient in protein. https://amazon.com/gp/product/B005P0GP9U/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  • nutmegoreo
    nutmegoreo Posts: 15,532 Member
    B4Rachael wrote: »
    There are protein options that don't come from meat. If you are eating a lot of carbs try finding vegan alternatives that have protein added to them. I know there are noodles that are made out of legumes that are all protein so if you eat a lot of noodles you can switch to those and gain protein in your diet. There are lots of choices besides meat that will give you the protein you need. I will tell you that I have a protein supplement that I use when I know my choices have been deficient in protein. https://amazon.com/gp/product/B005P0GP9U/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    Whey is dairy, so not vegan. There are vegan options available though. Vega has a line of protein powders. There are many made with rice, pea, or soy.
  • MelaniaTrump
    MelaniaTrump Posts: 2,694 Member
    edited July 2016
    The DRI (Dietary Reference Intake) minimum is 56 grams per day for the average sedentary man. 46 grams per day for the average sedentary woman.
    Beans and nuts.
  • Sued0nim
    Sued0nim Posts: 17,456 Member
    Fix your protein and fat levels ...neither are enough

    Protein is building blocks of cell repair and muscle building, aim for 0.64-0.8g minimum per lb bodyweight
    Fat helps the body absorb nutrients, aim for 0.4g minimum per lb bodyweight

    What's your goal, your calories seem too low too
  • AnthonyX150X
    AnthonyX150X Posts: 293 Member
    edited July 2016
    Sued0nim wrote: »
    Fix your protein and fat levels ...neither are enough

    Protein is building blocks of cell repair and muscle building, aim for 0.64-0.8g minimum per lb bodyweight
    Fat helps the body absorb nutrients, aim for 0.4g minimum per lb bodyweight

    What's your goal, your calories seem too low too

    Well since I am in maintenance, my goal is really just to find a macronutrient ratio that works for me and gives me the most energy throughout the day. I always seemed to have been drawn to carbs for the energy they bring to my body so that's why I started a high carb diet, but I didn't realize I am below 25 grams the recommended minimum for men...
  • RodaRose
    RodaRose Posts: 9,562 Member
    Here is a group of vegans and vegetarians: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/45-happy-herbivores
    I am not doing plant-based because I eat meat sometimes but I mostly eat beans and tofu.
    Here are some sources of protein for you:
    Tofu, Beans, Soy Milk, Green Peas, Hemp Seeds, Walnuts, Edamame, Green Beans, Tahini, Chickpeas, Peanut Butter, Lentils,

  • AnthonyX150X
    AnthonyX150X Posts: 293 Member
    RoxieDawn wrote: »
    How recently is recently, and what do you do to make sure you are tracking correctly? What's your calorie goal? Are you cutting, gaining or maintaining?

    I recently started tracking macronutrients about a couple of weeks ago. I am in maintenance, but I eat my BMR of 1665 calories so I create a small deficit that adds up on the weekends where I can eat more.

    So at 1665 calories using the 80/15/5 ratio, I eat 333 grams of carbs, 28 grams of fat, and 21 grams of protein.

    Is this amount of protein really that detrimental to my health? Aren't there some vegans that eat about this amount?

    Yes it is.

    Your BMR calories is 1665 which is maintenance for you? This does not sound right.

    1665 is my BMR, but not my maintenance calories. I choose to eat my BMR during the weekdays so I can create a deficit for the weekends.
  • B4Rachael
    B4Rachael Posts: 155 Member
    nutmegoreo wrote: »
    B4Rachael wrote: »
    There are protein options that don't come from meat. If you are eating a lot of carbs try finding vegan alternatives that have protein added to them. I know there are noodles that are made out of legumes that are all protein so if you eat a lot of noodles you can switch to those and gain protein in your diet. There are lots of choices besides meat that will give you the protein you need. I will tell you that I have a protein supplement that I use when I know my choices have been deficient in protein. https://amazon.com/gp/product/B005P0GP9U/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    Whey is dairy, so not vegan. There are vegan options available though. Vega has a line of protein powders. There are many made with rice, pea, or soy.

    I didn't mean that the protein supplement was vegan :/
    I just meant that there were plenty of vegan options for protein if he didn't like eating meat & that if he didn't want to switch to the vegan options he could just take a supplement
    I don't think he said he was vegan - he just was assuming vegans didn't get enough protein
  • amusedmonkey
    amusedmonkey Posts: 10,330 Member
    edited July 2016
    B4Rachael wrote: »
    nutmegoreo wrote: »
    B4Rachael wrote: »
    There are protein options that don't come from meat. If you are eating a lot of carbs try finding vegan alternatives that have protein added to them. I know there are noodles that are made out of legumes that are all protein so if you eat a lot of noodles you can switch to those and gain protein in your diet. There are lots of choices besides meat that will give you the protein you need. I will tell you that I have a protein supplement that I use when I know my choices have been deficient in protein. https://amazon.com/gp/product/B005P0GP9U/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    Whey is dairy, so not vegan. There are vegan options available though. Vega has a line of protein powders. There are many made with rice, pea, or soy.

    I didn't mean that the protein supplement was vegan :/
    I just meant that there were plenty of vegan options for protein if he didn't like eating meat & that if he didn't want to switch to the vegan options he could just take a supplement
    I don't think he said he was vegan - he just was assuming vegans didn't get enough protein

    This is true. Not every vegan is low on protein and not everyone who struggles with protein is vegan. My protein is often on the lowish side, lower than some vegans, and I'm not vegan or even vegetarian. If I stop paying attention I end up at about 30-40 grams daily, but with a little attention my intake ends up fine without pushing myself beyon sustainability.

    I do make use of supplements when I'm having trouble eating enough within my preferences for the day. If I feel like having some barley grits with milk for example, I simple add some protein powder to it as a sweetener instead of sugar. This way I get to eat the things I like without having to force myself to eat things I don't feel like eating. I have also switched to a higher protein bread, which has helped a lot.

    When I'm active I actively strive for 80-100 grams a day which is a bit hard sometimes. When I'm not, I relax my choices a little down to 60-70 grams.
  • nutmegoreo
    nutmegoreo Posts: 15,532 Member
    B4Rachael wrote: »
    nutmegoreo wrote: »
    B4Rachael wrote: »
    There are protein options that don't come from meat. If you are eating a lot of carbs try finding vegan alternatives that have protein added to them. I know there are noodles that are made out of legumes that are all protein so if you eat a lot of noodles you can switch to those and gain protein in your diet. There are lots of choices besides meat that will give you the protein you need. I will tell you that I have a protein supplement that I use when I know my choices have been deficient in protein. https://amazon.com/gp/product/B005P0GP9U/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    Whey is dairy, so not vegan. There are vegan options available though. Vega has a line of protein powders. There are many made with rice, pea, or soy.

    I didn't mean that the protein supplement was vegan :/
    I just meant that there were plenty of vegan options for protein if he didn't like eating meat & that if he didn't want to switch to the vegan options he could just take a supplement
    I don't think he said he was vegan - he just was assuming vegans didn't get enough protein

    I'm sure it's just the way I read your post.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    RoxieDawn wrote: »
    How recently is recently, and what do you do to make sure you are tracking correctly? What's your calorie goal? Are you cutting, gaining or maintaining?

    I recently started tracking macronutrients about a couple of weeks ago. I am in maintenance, but I eat my BMR of 1665 calories so I create a small deficit that adds up on the weekends where I can eat more.

    So at 1665 calories using the 80/15/5 ratio, I eat 333 grams of carbs, 28 grams of fat, and 21 grams of protein.

    Is this amount of protein really that detrimental to my health? Aren't there some vegans that eat about this amount?

    Yes it is.

    Your BMR calories is 1665 which is maintenance for you? This does not sound right.

    1665 is my BMR, but not my maintenance calories. I choose to eat my BMR during the weekdays so I can create a deficit for the weekends.

    Eating bmr 5 days a week is giving you a MASSIVE deficit for soneone nit trying to lose weight. How much extra do you eat on the weekend?
  • pompeyjosh1990
    pompeyjosh1990 Posts: 90 Member
    dude, protein levels are far too low, high card diet does not mean 80% carbs....you are not carb loading.

    Id reduce the carbs to 50% if you want a high carb diet, 40% protein and 10% Fat.

  • amusedmonkey
    amusedmonkey Posts: 10,330 Member
    dude, protein levels are far too low, high card diet does not mean 80% carbs....you are not carb loading.

    Id reduce the carbs to 50% if you want a high carb diet, 40% protein and 10% Fat.

    40% protein is far too high for someone who prefers a lot of carbs. 60 grams of protein is a good minimum to strive for while still being able to keep his high carb habits. Adherence is much more important than micromanaging macros beyond the essentials. 50% carbs is not considered high carb, that's a moderate amount of carbs and might feel too restrictive for some.
  • pompeyjosh1990
    pompeyjosh1990 Posts: 90 Member
    dude, protein levels are far too low, high card diet does not mean 80% carbs....you are not carb loading.

    Id reduce the carbs to 50% if you want a high carb diet, 40% protein and 10% Fat.

    40% protein is far too high for someone who prefers a lot of carbs. 60 grams of protein is a good minimum to strive for while still being able to keep his high carb habits. Adherence is much more important than micromanaging macros beyond the essentials. 50% carbs is not considered high carb, that's a moderate amount of carbs and might feel too restrictive for some.

    Well its each to their own, people will prefer different MACRO Splits, depending on their goal....I'm just saying 5% is far too low.
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    dude, protein levels are far too low, high card diet does not mean 80% carbs....you are not carb loading.

    Id reduce the carbs to 50% if you want a high carb diet, 40% protein and 10% Fat.

    40% protein is far too high for someone who prefers a lot of carbs. 60 grams of protein is a good minimum to strive for while still being able to keep his high carb habits. Adherence is much more important than micromanaging macros beyond the essentials. 50% carbs is not considered high carb, that's a moderate amount of carbs and might feel too restrictive for some.

    If we were to go off of the usda recommendations:

    40-60% carbs
    1g protein per KG body weight for sedentary individuals
    20% Fat intake

    I personally eat naturally around 40/30/30 without really planning or thinking about it. I think every is different, but this seems like the ratio i'd eat without tracking.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    dude, protein levels are far too low, high card diet does not mean 80% carbs....you are not carb loading.

    Id reduce the carbs to 50% if you want a high carb diet, 40% protein and 10% Fat.

    40% protein is far too high for someone who prefers a lot of carbs. 60 grams of protein is a good minimum to strive for while still being able to keep his high carb habits. Adherence is much more important than micromanaging macros beyond the essentials. 50% carbs is not considered high carb, that's a moderate amount of carbs and might feel too restrictive for some.

    Well its each to their own, people will prefer different MACRO Splits, depending on their goal....I'm just saying 5% is far too low.

    true, but OP is never going to get from 5% protein to 40% when he has already said he likes eating carbs.

    40% protein is unneccesarily high anyway
  • amusedmonkey
    amusedmonkey Posts: 10,330 Member
    edited July 2016
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    dude, protein levels are far too low, high card diet does not mean 80% carbs....you are not carb loading.

    Id reduce the carbs to 50% if you want a high carb diet, 40% protein and 10% Fat.

    40% protein is far too high for someone who prefers a lot of carbs. 60 grams of protein is a good minimum to strive for while still being able to keep his high carb habits. Adherence is much more important than micromanaging macros beyond the essentials. 50% carbs is not considered high carb, that's a moderate amount of carbs and might feel too restrictive for some.

    If we were to go off of the usda recommendations:

    40-60% carbs
    1g protein per KG body weight for sedentary individuals
    20% Fat intake

    I personally eat naturally around 40/30/30 without really planning or thinking about it. I think every is different, but this seems like the ratio i'd eat without tracking.

    I thought it was 0.8 grams per kg for sedentary and 1.2-1.4 or so for athletes. Based on his picture it's safe to say 60 grams would for sure make 0.8 grams per kg or more. Personally, I find myself right at the USDA recommendations when I eat comfortably watching protein but not forcing it (about 50-60% grams of carbs). I'm sometimes under the 0.8 gram per kg when sedentary (end up at about 0.65-0.07) for protein, but I'm obese so this is different.
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