Advice about Protein

Ndskuse

Hello all. I am currently using my Bowflex and using MFP to count my calories to lose weight. A secondary goal of mine is to build muscle. My question is, does it make sense for me to start using a protein supplement if I am trying to lose weight as well as gain muscle or should I wait until I have reached my goal weight? Thanks in advance!

JLervold86

Start now! The great thing about protein is that it helps to keep you fuller longer!

guppygirl322

It's true! Protien shakes are my new best friend. They keep me full a long l o n g l o n g time.

lmr9

I too am trying to lose fat and build muscle at the same time - and have done a good job at it for the past 6 months. It's important to do a mix of cardio and weight training. Cardio to lose the fat and weights to tone muscles. To see a lot of definition, you have to lose the fat that's covering the muscle, but don't wait until after you lose the fat to start weight training. Weight training burns fat - it's worked very well for me to do cardio and weights. Personally, I don't think you need protein supplements though. I've been eating a lower carb / higher protein diet then MFP recommends - nothing extreme though - I've been at 45% carb / 35% protein / 20% fat and that's worked well for me. Every now and then I'll drink a protein shake, but I really try to get all my protein from natural sources.

Geminieve24

Protein helps build muscle, and muscle helps burn fat. So yes, take some protein! Protein shakes are great!

Ndskuse

Thanks all for your advice. Does anyone have an idea of what my protein intake target should be? Right now my typical day I am hitting about 70-90g per day (over what MFP currently recommends...but I wasn't too worried about that).

Ndskuse

Anyone have a number I should be aiming for? If this helps, I currently do my Bowflex training 3 times a week (non consecutive days) doing the '6 week Weight Loss Program' consisting of the following exercises (1 set each, max weight for 8-12 reps)

Leg Curl
Leg Extension
Bench Press
Bicep Curl
Shoulder Press
Ab Crunch

Also I would like to know what sort of protein I should be looking at. I see whey protein is available in many varieties...but is there another kind that is better?

lmr9

I've read that a ballpark is 1 gram of protein for every pound of body weight, but I think that's a bit high - I think 100 grams per day is minimum. I recommend just doing it by a % of total caloric intake. Also, I've read that for protein shakes - whey protein is best.

lmr9

I've read that a ballpark is 1 gram of protein for every pound of body weight, but I think that's a bit high - I think 100 grams per day is minimum. I recommend just doing it by a % of total caloric intake. Also, I've read that for protein shakes - whey protein is best.