The Protein & Carb Dilemma

walkerkt00

Alright so I've been fine with staying within my calories, but I go over my protein allowance pretty much by breakfast. I have always been addicted to carbs and have found that switching to high protein meals has allowed me to stay full and find the energy I need for daily life & my new found love of exercise.

So my question is for those who have opted for a low carb/high protein diet- what is a reasonable daily goal for protein intake on a 1280 calorie limit. Should I be including more carbs? It is not like I have banished them from my life by any means, which is why I cannot even fathom eating more in a day.

I love MFP, but I just cannot eat that many carbs! I would like to set my own reasonable macro limits that suit my life. Any guidance and personal experience is appreciated.

cwolfman13

You can manually set your macro-nutrients. MFP's default settings are roughly 55%c/15%p/30f...that's pretty low protein right there. I try to hit about 25% - 30% on protein and about 30% of fat and make up the difference with carbs. Ultimately I try to get in about 1 gram of protein per Lb of LBM...for me, that's about 144 grams; I don't fuss too much if I'm +/- a few grams.

A macro split of 40c/30p/30f is very common...this is referred to as the "zone" or "zone diet". It is a very balanced approached..though it's about perfect for hitting my protein and fat goals when I'm in a deficit, but puts me at unnecessarily high protein levels at maintenance.

Guinivere

I've set my own macros to protein 50%, fat 30% carb 20%

I'm doing pretty well on that. I eat 1500 cal or so each day. Eat some of my exercise calories back if I need them and have been losing a nice steady two pounds a week since June. I always drink two litres (minimum) water daily because I'm high protein.

I exercise four/five times a week, badminton, walking, circuit training with weights, pace room circuits and yoga.


Recently MFP tried to adjust my macros as I'd lost more weight and put me on 55% carbs lol.
I've experienced that my body doesn't process carbs very well and lays down fat like right porker so adjusted them back again!

jbuck93

I also do way better with more protein and less carbs than the default setting. You can customize your goals. I have mine set at 35% protein 35% carbs and 30% fat.

betterthancable

I also love the 40/30/30 split and find I have a ton of energy all day on it. Carbs have always burned me out though energy-wise and I tend to lean towards higher protein anyways. It's always a good idea to listen to your body - if you're feeling lightheaded and lethargic you may not be getting enough carbs (or another macro) but if you've got energy, aren't starving and feel pretty good you're likely doing just fine.

walkerkt00

Thanks everyone. I knew I could set my goals I just wasn't sure what would be reasonable- still a newbie. Your suggestions are helpful. Glad I'm not the only one who found the carb expectation a little high.