Craving protein

lvbor
lvbor Posts: 50 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Is there any truth to the idea that you crave what your body needs (leaving aside withdrawal from sugar, caffeine etc.)?

Since I've been watching my calories I haven't cut back on protein-rich food but I find myself craving protein: eggs especially, also milk, red meat. At the same time I've stepped up a lot in terms of exercise, both cardio and strength, so arguably I need more protein that I used to.

All else being equal I'm tending to choose food containing protein over one that doesn't when I need a snack and have net calories left in the day (lots of egg poaching happening in my house!). But I still find it hard to hit MFP's protein goal each day.

My primary goal is weight loss but I want to build muscle strength on the way. So I guess I'm wondering if I should follow the my body's hints and try to rejig things to get more protein in for the same net calories, or not worry about macros at this stage.

Replies

  • Vex3521
    Vex3521 Posts: 385 Member
    I binge if I hold off a craving too long so my advice is just eat it if you feel like you need it. Not saying go all 3k cals over or anything though!
  • RaggedyPond
    RaggedyPond Posts: 1,487 Member
    MFP protein goal is too low. About 35% of the day should be protein.
  • DMicheleC
    DMicheleC Posts: 171 Member
    Try reducing your carbs and eating more protein, you will have tons more energy and the craving will stop.
  • elsyoommen
    elsyoommen Posts: 155 Member
    if you eat fish I find that is a good way to get protein without using up too many calories. I also have a protein shake most days to make sure I reach my protein goal.
  • lvbor
    lvbor Posts: 50 Member
    Thanks for the feedback folks. I'll try to reduce carbs and increase protein a bit and see how it goes.

    I have a week of steak or fish and salad dinners planned. Happily for me, it's perfect weather for that sort of food and I make a delicious salad :)
  • Halleeon
    Halleeon Posts: 309 Member
    I believe our bodies do a wonderful job of telling us what we need, if we listen to it. Take heed to your instincts and follow what works best for you. It's okay to trust yourself.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    if its red meat you're craving, it could be iron that you are deficient it?
  • lvbor
    lvbor Posts: 50 Member
    No iron deficiency - I donate plasma regularly so I get a fortnightly haemoglobin test. It's always fine.

    Had a great big slap of (lean) steak for dinner tonight and hit my protein target for the first time in I don't know how long. Shall be interesting to see if I can sustain a higher protein & lower carb mix for more than a few days at a stretch. I'm looking on it as an interesting experiment :)

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