Always over on Protein

SPSHLK73

What does it mean when you're always over on your protein but under on everything else????

hsnider29

Don't have an answer but just wanted to let you know I'm in the same boat as you. I'm doing cardio everyday but no strength training so I hope its ok to be over on the protein.

ntp0826

Several people on the board said that MFP's protein goals are set low, so unless you have kidney problems you should be fine!

GorillaNJ

How far over on protein are you? I do think that MFP undershoots the protein number anyway.

NoAdditives

Even if the protein is set a little low I'd try to stick as close to that goal as possible. Too much protein can be bad for you. I would look at the foods you're eating and make little adjustments. If you eat two eggs in the morning, just eat one. Reduce the serving size of meats, beans or tofu that you eat. And definitely eat more fruits and vegetables. Reducing the amount of dairy you consume will help as well.

lordofultima

"Too much protein can be bad for you."

Protein isn't bad for you, stop being scared of it. Maybe if you're taking like 4 times your bodyweight. MFP defaults to like 60% carbs or something ridiculous, the risks associated with carbohydrate overload seem far more serious than eating over the crazy low number of protein that MFP sets up for you.

watkinsc

Protein is a source of energy, just like carbs and even sugar. To be over on protein is not a big deal unless you are on a protein restrictive diet for certain medical conditions. Curious how you are getting your protein though. Is it from lean meat, or protein shakes etc. And how far over are you?

ntp0826

Maybe this might help:
How to Calculate Your Protein Needs:

1. Weight in pounds divided by 2.2 = weight in kg
2. Weight in kg x 0.8-1.8 gm/kg = protein gm.

Use a lower number if you are in good health and are sedentary (i.e., 0.8). Use a higher number (between 1 and 1.8) if you are under stress, are pregnant, are recovering from an illness, or if you are involved in consistent and intense weight or endurance training.

Example: 154 lb male who is a regular exerciser and lifts weights
154 lbs/2.2 = 70kg
70kg x 1.5 = 105 gm protein/day

wh0a_is_me

I have the same problem..which is kind of bizarre to me - but I think it comes from the Whole Wheat bread I eat, peanut butter..and um.. that's all I can think of, lol.. the occasional Tuna & Eggs also.

It was actually eye opening for me though, because I've been having stomach/digestive issues since February, and I'm starting to think it's because I eat too much protein and not enough water to digest it (I'm so bad with getting enough water for the day, I just forget to drink, unless I'm working out) - so that's something you might want to be weary of.

JDMPWR

to substain muscle that you already have while doing a decent amount of cardio you should intake .8-1gram of protein per body weight in lbs.

IE 200 lbs =200 grams

I right now and gaining mass at a decent pace so I consume 1.5 grams per lb.

Body builders take in 2-4 grams per pound.

PROTEIN IS NOT BAD FOR YOU.....the default of carbs and protin on MFP is a joke. I tell people to stick with 40/40/20 and when you are down to your last 5-10 lbs to lose then change it to 50/30/20.

jsheph1

I just posted a similar question about fat. I have to think if you are going to be over in any one category, protein is best.

Mrbackslap

to substain muscle that you already have while doing a decent amount of cardio you should intake .8-1gram of protein per body weight in lbs.

IE 200 lbs =200 grams

I right now and gaining mass at a decent pace so I consume 1.5 grams per lb.

Body builders take in 2-4 grams per pound.

PROTEIN IS NOT BAD FOR YOU.....the default of carbs and protin on MFP is a joke. I tell people to stick with 40/40/20 and when you are down to your last 5-10 lbs to lose then change it to 50/30/20.

That's a myth passed down by the supplement companies the protein we eat is good enough.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Krtiw5waAVg

I stopped taking tons of extra protein and I'm losing the fat now that I had issues with.
I was taking 180-200mg daily now im at just one shake and thats right after my workout only.

Mrbackslap

Check out that guys videos he's taught me a lot that I didnt know.
I was drinking tons of protein then I stopped and now I'm doing better dude.

He says drinks and food don't give you muscles, a dose of Iron does as in lifting weights.
I started making sure I take in enough carbs though atleast 200

DeeMonjure2B

If you drinking enough water then heck no too much protien isnt bad. Eat plenty of fibrous carbs too. You are suppose to eat approx. your body weight in grams of protien anyway. The only thing I have noticed about this sight is that it gives you the option to gain weight but only if your underweight and need to gain fat Im guessing. Not if you want to BUILD MUSCLE. To maintain your muscle while losing fat it is important to keep the protien high and according to how they have your macros calculated here to lose weight it is always showing that Im over on protien as well. Luckily I know thats good (where my number is) I wouldnt stress it at all. Its a plus anyway. But try to get most of your protien, vitamins, etc. from your meals (real food) if possible.

DeeMonjure2B

Good luck by the way.

DeeMonjure2B

to substain muscle that you already have while doing a decent amount of cardio you should intake .8-1gram of protein per body weight in lbs.

IE 200 lbs =200 grams

I right now and gaining mass at a decent pace so I consume 1.5 grams per lb.

Body builders take in 2-4 grams per pound.

PROTEIN IS NOT BAD FOR YOU.....the default of carbs and protin on MFP is a joke. I tell people to stick with 40/40/20 and when you are down to your last 5-10 lbs to lose then change it to 50/30/20.

My sentiments exactly! Way to go man!

binary_jester

to substain muscle that you already have while doing a decent amount of cardio you should intake .8-1gram of protein per body weight in lbs.

IE 200 lbs =200 grams

I right now and gaining mass at a decent pace so I consume 1.5 grams per lb.

Body builders take in 2-4 grams per pound.

PROTEIN IS NOT BAD FOR YOU.....the default of carbs and protin on MFP is a joke. I tell people to stick with 40/40/20 and when you are down to your last 5-10 lbs to lose then change it to 50/30/20.

That's a myth passed down by the supplement companies the protein we eat is good enough.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Krtiw5waAVg

I stopped taking tons of extra protein and I'm losing the fat now that I had issues with.
I was taking 180-200mg daily now im at just one shake and thats right after my workout only.

Funny...I have clinical studies that show the benefits of taking protein. You got a guy on youtube. Congrats on your weight loss though.

Mrbackslap

to substain muscle that you already have while doing a decent amount of cardio you should intake .8-1gram of protein per body weight in lbs.

IE 200 lbs =200 grams

I right now and gaining mass at a decent pace so I consume 1.5 grams per lb.

Body builders take in 2-4 grams per pound.

PROTEIN IS NOT BAD FOR YOU.....the default of carbs and protin on MFP is a joke. I tell people to stick with 40/40/20 and when you are down to your last 5-10 lbs to lose then change it to 50/30/20.

That's a myth passed down by the supplement companies the protein we eat is good enough.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Krtiw5waAVg

I stopped taking tons of extra protein and I'm losing the fat now that I had issues with.
I was taking 180-200mg daily now im at just one shake and thats right after my workout only.

Funny...I have clinical studies that show the benefits of taking protein. You got a guy on youtube. Congrats on your weight loss though.

That's just my opinion and the guy on youtube helped me achieve my weight loss when i was stuck at 200lb for months.
I'm always willing to try peoples advice atleast once then just goin by what everyone else says.

The few guys I personally know that workout take tons of protein and are big but mostly cause their fat.
Im going for a more ripped look so cutting out all the protein shakes help.

Carbs fuel the repair of the muscle and Protein is pretty much the building block.
You dont need tons of it, and if you wanna get bigger muscle lift heavier weights.
All those extra shakes is added calories IMO.

"Protein is not bad" but too much protein will just get stored as Fat if your not working out hard enough.

And thanks I'm almost at my goal I might go for a extra 10 pounds after I reached my goals.

mamagooskie

I just posted a similar question about fat. I have to think if you are going to be over in any one category, protein is best.

I personally think it's best to be over in fiber if you are going to everyday go over in something. The average adult should eat 26 grams a day default MFP is 14 (so wayyyyyyy to low)

I too am most often over in protein and fibre (since I try to be over in fibre) and those 2 don't worry me one bit. I do weight lift though every day and do cardio as well.

ganesha303

More protein is definitely better. MFP default ratios should be tweaked for your own goals. Though I will not point you to any Youtube videos, I have spent way too much of my time studying this, and also collecting empirical evidence through my own experiences. I find a healthy balance between good carbs, good fats and proteins works really well for me. My weight may not drop down as fast, but my body fat % does (which should be most people's goal). Essentially i am building muscle with the proteins. I strive for a 35/35/30 ratio. We should also not be overly concerned about fats (healthy fats that is). They are important for your brain and metabolic processes. Don't sweat fats from fish, nuts, etc. Stay away from greasy foods and a higher daily fat % is healthy. Just balance them all under your calorie goal.

JDMPWR

to substain muscle that you already have while doing a decent amount of cardio you should intake .8-1gram of protein per body weight in lbs.

IE 200 lbs =200 grams

I right now and gaining mass at a decent pace so I consume 1.5 grams per lb.

Body builders take in 2-4 grams per pound.

PROTEIN IS NOT BAD FOR YOU.....the default of carbs and protin on MFP is a joke. I tell people to stick with 40/40/20 and when you are down to your last 5-10 lbs to lose then change it to 50/30/20.

That's a myth passed down by the supplement companies the protein we eat is good enough.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Krtiw5waAVg

I stopped taking tons of extra protein and I'm losing the fat now that I had issues with.
I was taking 180-200mg daily now im at just one shake and thats right after my workout only.

Very untrue.....on your behalf. If you decide to deplete the body of protein in the bloodstream during a anabolic or catabolic type workout then the body will start to scavenge muscle for fuel.

Secondly I never said anything about "shakes" I said PROTEIN. I never recommend shakes. I only consume natural proteins not man made whey or casein outside of maybe once a day if that.

Look at my log if you don't believe me.

PS I don't think a Harvard based Masters Thesis/Study would be a "myth"

http://www.thedietdoc.com/info-tdd.php?nav_ID=46&nav_Parent=26

JDMPWR

to substain muscle that you already have while doing a decent amount of cardio you should intake .8-1gram of protein per body weight in lbs.

IE 200 lbs =200 grams

I right now and gaining mass at a decent pace so I consume 1.5 grams per lb.

Body builders take in 2-4 grams per pound.

PROTEIN IS NOT BAD FOR YOU.....the default of carbs and protin on MFP is a joke. I tell people to stick with 40/40/20 and when you are down to your last 5-10 lbs to lose then change it to 50/30/20.

That's a myth passed down by the supplement companies the protein we eat is good enough.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Krtiw5waAVg

I stopped taking tons of extra protein and I'm losing the fat now that I had issues with.
I was taking 180-200mg daily now im at just one shake and thats right after my workout only.

Funny...I have clinical studies that show the benefits of taking protein. You got a guy on youtube. Congrats on your weight loss though.

Exactly.....

JDMPWR

Carbs fuel the repair of the muscle and Protein is pretty much the building block.

WRONG AGAIN....keep watching youtube videos for proper scientific based advice.\

Any calorie fuels the repair of a muscle. The body when burning cals is not selective on what it will burn to repair a muscle or do any active function for that matter.

Mrbackslap

Well my bad when I hear Protein I think extra shake etc.
Still its just my opinion that taking too much protein can get you fat if your not working hard enough.
I get in anywhere from 100 to 130 and I thinks thats way more then enough really.
But hey whatever works for you by all means keep it.

Mrbackslap

I always get slack from protein enthusiasts =P lol don't believe the hype on protein.
A little over is not bad, too much and not working out hard enough and its a problem.

I haven't lost any muscle considering I never had any when I was 240lb
I have lost only a inch or 2 on my body parts and gained a inch on my neck.
Lost massive iches off my waist though I got pix
My body wont go into any catabolic state since im eating very well.
Unless I was a elite bodybuilder which im not I'd worry about that.

But keep a open mind is all I say what works for you might not work for everyone else.
And studies dont mean squat to me, one day O.J is bad then the next studies say its good.
Keep working out is all I say.

SPSHLK73

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I am usually around a -25 in protein but under on everything else. I am getting my protein from my fat free yogurt, lean cuisine lunch and chicken or lean meat for dinner. I just can't seem to cut out the meat in my lunch and dinner =( It just fills me up more. I will definately try to cut back a little. I would think by cutting back on your calories and carbs that you would still lose weight. But is a -25 too much????

Mrbackslap

Over 25 on protein lol that's nothing don't worry about It.
Just try to have a calorie calorie deficit if your not workout and just dieting.

GL