A week without protein

arieldawn9463

In the near future I'll be going on vacation for one week and eating every meal out every day. I usually track macros and calories but I want to completely stop for this week and simply eat whatever I want; my biggest concern is that I won't get hardly ANY protein. I imagine I'll just eat things like pastries most of the time. I don't mind losing some muscle and gaining some fat, but is it dangerous for overall health to go a week eating hardly any protein?

nvmomketo

One week is not a big deal, IMO. But enjoy some protein foods while away: cheese, fancy egg dishes, steak at dinner, etc.

TavistockToad

arieldawn9463 wrote: »

In the near future I'll be going on vacation for one week and eating every meal out every day. I usually track macros and calories but I want to completely stop for this week and simply eat whatever I want; my biggest concern is that I won't get hardly ANY protein. I imagine I'll just eat things like pastries most of the time. I don't mind losing some muscle and gaining some fat, but is it dangerous for overall health to go a week eating hardly any protein?

I'm all for eating what you want on holiday - I always do.

But why would you only want to eat pastries for a whole week?

jdog022

When I am in this scenario I usually bring or buy protein powder/bars and have a bit each day but i ageee that one week really wouldn’t any difference in the long term. I’m just being anal

arieldawn9463

TavistockToad wrote: »

arieldawn9463 wrote: »

In the near future I'll be going on vacation for one week and eating every meal out every day. I usually track macros and calories but I want to completely stop for this week and simply eat whatever I want; my biggest concern is that I won't get hardly ANY protein. I imagine I'll just eat things like pastries most of the time. I don't mind losing some muscle and gaining some fat, but is it dangerous for overall health to go a week eating hardly any protein?

I'm all for eating what you want on holiday - I always do.

But why would you only want to eat pastries for a whole week?

That's just an example, obviously there would be more variety. But mainly variety of carbs or fats.

pinggolfer96

You’re going to fill up your ENTIRE week with primarily pastries? I think you need to take a step back and look at your relationship with food rather than the “lack of protein” you may have from not tracking....

arieldawn9463

pinggolfer96 wrote: »

You’re going to fill up your ENTIRE week with primarily pastries? I think you need to take a step back and look at your relationship with food rather than the “lack of protein” you may have from not tracking....

That's just an example, I don't literally mean I'll be eating solely pastries all week

estherdragonbat

Personal experience? I'm orthodox Jewish and ovo-lacto vegetarian. I go through a... somewhat challenging 8 days every year. See, Passover for someone of Ashkenazic (Eastern European) background means almost no grains, but also no legumes. Which reduces my protein sources for those eight days to pretty much eggs, dairy, nuts, and quinoa. And when you're a short woman with under 1400 calories to play with before exercise and most family dinners are meat-based (and due to kosher restrictions on eating meat and dairy at the same table, things get awkward), well, let's just say that I tend to fall wayyyyyyyyyy below my protein target. And it does a number on my satiety levels.

Normally, I really don't get hungry while in a sensible (250) calorie deficit. I find that the MFP default macros (50/30/20 for carb/fat/protein) work great for me. Sometimes I'm a little higher on carbs and a little lower on fat, but so long as I have my protein around 20% I don't struggle with hunger. I do during those 8 days.

Now, as other posters have pointed out, you're not doing this long-term. Plus everyone needs to find their own ideal macro split for satiety levels. Yours isn't necessarily mine. But were I in your position, I'd be braced for increased hunger signals.

manderson27

Why would protein be short where you are going? Most places you can get fish, meat, cheese, eggs, beans etc.

Really don't think it is going to make much difference to your muscle mass. Might make a difference to your weight but even that will be temporary if you get back on track when you get back.

Stop worrying and just enjoy your week away.

Lounmoun

One week of a different diet probably won't make much difference to your body. You might retain more water.
I personally would try to include at least some protein foods and fruits/vegetables each day or I would feel pretty crappy and not enjoy my trip. I would also eat pastries too.

PAV8888

The base requirements for protein when you're not in a deficit are not as high as when you are. Drink a glass of low fat milk or two with your pastries...

TavistockToad

arieldawn9463 wrote: »

pinggolfer96 wrote: »

You’re going to fill up your ENTIRE week with primarily pastries? I think you need to take a step back and look at your relationship with food rather than the “lack of protein” you may have from not tracking....

That's just an example, I don't literally mean I'll be eating solely pastries all week

So eat some meat/fish/dairy/pulses and it soon becomes a non issue....

lynn_glenmont

arieldawn9463 wrote: »

pinggolfer96 wrote: »

You’re going to fill up your ENTIRE week with primarily pastries? I think you need to take a step back and look at your relationship with food rather than the “lack of protein” you may have from not tracking....

That's just an example, I don't literally mean I'll be eating solely pastries all week

Honestly, if you'll be eating all your meals out as you say, it will take a concerted effort on your part to avoid protein entirely, as most main dishes on lunch and dinner menus (and an awful lot of the appetizers) are built around a protein. Unless you plan to live off of side salads, soups that have no meat or legumes, and egg- and dairy-free dessert, I don't see how you're going to manage to get dangerously low levels of protein.

sardelsa

It's fine. One week shouldn't make too much difference. I've had the flu and only had some crackers, pasta and broth for a week. I lost some strength but picked up where I left off. Enjoy!

fitoverfortymom

I'd love a week of being on vacation and eating pastries every day. Enjoy your trip. Enjoy the food. Don't worry a lick about any of it and come back and get into your regular deficit routine.