Protein goal changes everyday

nahema2020

Please help - protein goal changing everyday - I think it’s since i synced my Fitbit ???? Has anyone else had this and should I not sync Fitbit ?
Thanks Sara

cmriverside

Yeah, synching a device will mean all your daily calories (and therefore macros) will change dependent on your particular level of activity during the day.

You are like a car - if you drive 10 miles you won't need as much gas as if you drive 200 miles. Fuel-up accordingly. I would leave the Fitbit synched and eat the suggested calories at least for a couple months until you can establish your "actual" data.

There are a lot of variables, but the bottom line is that Fitbits and online calculators such as Myfitnesspal are just educated guesses, gleaned from general population numbers. You have to find your own calorie level by running the experiment and collecting your own data. Food tracking comes into play, intensity of exercise is part of it. Genetics, type of food, gender, height, current weight, age, sleep, stress levels, etc.

Log food and exercise (using Fitbit) for 4-6 weeks, adjust at the end of that time if necessary.

kshama2001

Yes, the way MFP is designed, when we exercise more we're supposed to eat more, and will thus get more grams of protein to eat.

Protein helps me stay full, so I look at the protein counts for every new meal and snack. I generally eat the same, or same types, of breakfast, lunch, and snacks, so really only have to think about it for new meals and snacks. I know when we have pizza and salad the protein is on the low side, so I add cottage cheese and chicken to the salad, and eat less pizza than I used to.

Retroguy2000

I aim for X grams protein per day and Y net calories (after adding in workouts) per day. I don't look at the daily macro goals.

tomcustombuilder

As mentioned above use grams instead of % ratios for macros.

nossmf

Also remember the MFP protein goal is just a minimum, not a hard rule. As in, if it says 100g protein, shoot to get AT LEAST 100g for the day, it's plenty fine to go over. You do not need to amend your eating to get EXACTLY 100g. And if you don't get it today, but you're reasonably close, don't sweat it, odds are you'll be over on another day and things will balance out over the long term. The only time you really need to worry is if you are consistently way under, then you should look to add more in your day.

PAV8888

You may want to compute a minimum amount of protein based on your goals.

Generally speaking 0.8g to 1.2g per lb of your current weight (if not too far above the normal range) or of your goal weight within the "normal" range will prove to be adequate. And will intentionally exceed minimum health recommendations.

You could use: https://examine.com/protein-intake-calculator/ to estimate your needs in grams and to follow the references to see the reasons as to why the recommendations are being made.

Once you have reached an adequate amount of protein (in grams) you will not necessarily benefit or self destruct by not following a percentage based macro mix.

It's a nice guidance. But true net calories are what will determine your longer term weight trajectory.

OK: I've been known to want to ensure I get more than minimum amounts of fiber. And as one gets older some thinking about how much and what kind of fats are entering the picture. Of course, people with certain health conditions may benefit or need to watch some of these macros more closely than the rest of us.

mtaratoot

nossmf wrote: »

Also remember the MFP protein goal is just a minimum, not a hard rule. As in, if it says 100g protein, shoot to get AT LEAST 100g for the day, it's plenty fine to go over. You do not need to amend your eating to get EXACTLY 100g. And if you don't get it today, but you're reasonably close, don't sweat it, odds are you'll be over on another day and things will balance out over the long term. The only time you really need to worry is if you are consistently way under, then you should look to add more in your day.

One of the things I don't like about the MFP food diary, and one that I've sent a suggestion to support about, is how some of the goals are presented in a way that suggests going over is a bad thing when it isn't. Protein is one. If I am under on calories, the number is green whether I'm trying to lose, gain, or maintain. It would be neat if it would be red unless I was within 10% or so in maintenance. But that's OK; I can deal. For fiber or protein, if I meet my goal and then have some more, the number is red, as if that's a bad thing. It's not. The same could probably be said for things like calcium or potassium. Maybe if enough folks suggest it, they'll make that change. The only issue with too much protein is if it really is TOO MUCH and then it's extra work for kidneys. But getting a little more than I "need" isn't bad, especially when it's up against a day when I didn't get quite enough... and that day the number is green. It should be an easy coding change. I hope they do it. Ask them to if you like; thanks.