Going over daily allotted carbs and/or protein

lollie29

Hi everyone! I am new to Myfitnesspal and have a friend who lost 60 lbs. using it! I just have one big question---if I'm staying within my allowed calories, but going over on carbs and/or protein, what does that mean and how do I fix this!? Any advice would be GREAT! Thank you (:

SandraMay1982

depends on the amounts and the types of carbs you are eating. I would think.

If they're all bad carbs. (white = bad) then I'd say switch to brown / the most whole foods you can get. multigrain bread. nomnomnom

don't know about the protein. I am almost always over myself. haha.

kelseyt17

I'm always low on carbs and WAY over on protein. But I've been losing weight so i guess the protein isn't bad?

missyhse

it depends on what kind of exercise you are doing and when you are eating what (for example, carbs before and protein after a workout or vice versa)

If you're loosing and feeling good then its working for you

SandraMay1982

I just read this.

"A general rule of thumb is to aim for at least a gram of protein per pound of body weight. So for those of us working on the metric system, as in Australia, we’ll convert that. There are 2.2 pounds to one kilogram, roughly speaking. So if 1 gram of protein per every pound is the goal, then for every kilogram you should be aiming to get about 0.45g of protein daily… and that’s really a minimum. If you’re looking to gain weight or pack on muscle, then really you’ll be looking to up that amount to between 0.75 – 1g at least."

SandraMay1982

with more confusion on protein *L*

" Extra protein does not automatically make extra muscle. In fact, if you eat more protein than your body uses, it will be stored as fat. So, bodybuilders who down six chicken breasts at time in between high-protein shakes and bars may be adding more to their waistline than their biceps."

lordofultima

Protein isn't going to make you gain tons of weight, just like Carbohydrates won't either. It's the total amount of calories that ultimately determines whether you gain or lose weight. Most people don't get enough protein, I'd say 1/2 - 1g of protein per pound of bodyweight is a good rule of thumb to go by...especially if you're strength training in conjunction with your typical weight loss program. Can't rebuild the muscle without protein! Obviously you can only absorb so much at one time, and only a stupid head stupid face would take 100g of protein all at once. I usually go 25-35g a meal, as a 160 lb. Male.

Carbs can be tricky, but they're also the prime source of energy. Try getting lots of complex carbohydrates with good amounts of fiber, they absorb over a longer period of time, giving you energy throughout the day and not just all at once. So if you go over on carbs, at least you'll know that they're good, healthy carbs.

nmpresto

I'm always low on carbs and WAY over on protein. But I've been losing weight so i guess the protein isn't bad?

I have the exact opposite problem...no matter what I do I am always way over my carbs and under my protein. I'm always trying to fix and or reverse it, what kind of things do you eat?

Egger29

Hi everyone! I am new to Myfitnesspal and have a friend who lost 60 lbs. using it! I just have one big question---if I'm staying within my allowed calories, but going over on carbs and/or protein, what does that mean and how do I fix this!? Any advice would be GREAT! Thank you (:

The Settings of the site give you a basic daily %age amount for Carbs, Protein and Fats. If you're over these amounts daily, all that means is you're eating a larger %age of Carbs and Protein than is estimated for your needs.

Two things to check:

1) Obviously if you're having a higher %ge of Carbs and Protein, by default that means you're having less Fat. That's not necessarily a bad thing, however some fat is essential in order to maintain a healthy diet. Some essential vitamins are fat soluable so they require fats in your diet. Just watch that you're avoiding Saturated and Trans fats as much as possible.

2) For the Carbs and protein your eating, that's good. You can always modify your profile in the settings to raise your daily %age of Carbs and Protein. Perhaps a 40% Carb, 40% Protein, 20% Fat is along the lines of how you're current;y eating. Try it for a week and see what you find.

Both Proteins and Fibrous Carbs also have a thermogenic effect meaning they rev the metabolism more to break them down thus burning more calories. So when you're looking at your overall diet, also try to increase these items in your daily intake (In place of where you may find simple sugars and such.

Cheers!

brendajs

Hi all!

This was a good post for me!! I just joined MFP and am changing my mind set from WW (cal/fat/fiber) to cal/fat/carb. This will be tricky for me as I'm a bread lover (altho it's been the Arnold Sandwich Thins/Thomas Bagel Thins lately). I will have to read up on good for me carbs to keep an eye on things!

Thanks for all the great info!!

kelseyt17

I'm always low on carbs and WAY over on protein. But I've been losing weight so i guess the protein isn't bad?

I have the exact opposite problem...no matter what I do I am always way over my carbs and under my protein. I'm always trying to fix and or reverse it, what kind of things do you eat?

I eat a lot of fish and chicken. I get Parmesan encrusted Tilapia. (they have it at Sams) And Tyson Chicken.
I usually grill the chicken or bake it. And Boca burgers, they are vegi burgers. I also get Great Value -in the bag steamables. They have a couple different kinds. I like the garden vegetable medley. (which is potatoes and green beans. I eat the whole bag too with either chicken or fish) I try to stay away from Breads, chips, and pasta all together, but if I do have any bread its 100% whole what. And I don't drink anything but water.

As for snacks I have:
String cheese. 70 calories
Special K bars. 90 calories
Jello mousse. 60 calories

lollie29

Thank you, everyone! Great advice! I always eat good carbs, almost never white starches and I'm MOSTLY going over on protein. I will lower the carb intake a bit and see how that works for me. Thanx again, everybody! (: