Protein. How much is necessary

cursiny

MFP tells me I need 53 when I do not exercise. Do you think this is high/low/good?

DISCUSS!

paleojoe

Great article on this very subject...

http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/protein-intake-while-dieting-qa.html

The_Enginerd

In short, probably too low, and probably less than half of optimal (not sure what your weight/BF% is, so I cannot give an exact number).

Longer answer, read these A bit lengthy, but lots of great information and no point in me redoing it for this post.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/823505-research-on-protien-intake

wilmnoca

1-1.5 grams per pound of body weight. Simple.

paleojoe

1-1.5 grams per pound of body weight. Simple.

Not exactly that simple...

twixlepennie

MFP tells me I need 53 when I do not exercise. Do you think this is high/low/good?

DISCUSS!

I custom changed mine. If you think your number is not right for you then do some research, chose a number that you feel comfortable with, and then change it

twixlepennie

1-1.5 grams per pound of body weight. Simple.

There is no way 118-177 grams of protein would be appropriate for me, going by this calculation. Way to high.

pittsjg

I always go high when it come to protein, now there is many suggestions as to what amount is "needed". The link the paleojoe posted is from bodyrecomposition.com, seriously worth reading, great suggestion, that is real information posted and available for free.

A simpler way to look at is how much protein do I want, especially when operating on a calorie deficit?

Well first lets absolutely get the minimum, based on your goals. From there protein has something else going for it, it is the most filling! Imagine the calories you can get from eating steak, chicken, fish and then look at the same amount of calories eating bread, fruit, or sweets. The protein has the most bang for the buck calorie wise, keeping you full the longest. So when on a calorie deficit, wouldn't you rather be full vs hungry? I would. I hate being hungry, sitting around hungry sucks.

Extra protein will not hurt you or magically turn to fat either (as long as your not eating a surplus of calories per day, of course).

That's how I see it anyway, always learning

34blast

There is no easy answers with alot of conflicting studies.
In one corner there are registered dieticians who recommend
1 gram of protein per kg of body weight for elite athletes
For normal women 50 g, for normal men 63g
10 - 15% of total calories

In the other corner there is the supplement pushers and broscience folks
2 grams of protein per pound

Remember that alot of supplement pushers want studies to say to use our supplement. Many bodybuilders got their science about protein intake ideas for drug users (steroids and growth hormones).

Lyle tends to error on the side of too much protein. There are other studies that show it has a negative effect long term.

I suggest you read the Q&A area of this website (registered dietician) on protein intake
http://www.dietitian.com/protein.html

I personally think total calories are far more important for mass building or cutting. I do about 1.2g per kg of body weight protein intake.

wilmnoca

1-1.5 grams per pound of body weight. Simple.

There is no way 118-177 grams of protein would be appropriate for me, going by this calculation. Way to high.

OK. stick with your measly 53 grams of protein. Im sure the muscles will be busting through your shirts in no time. pfffft.