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Protein intake - please help!

jrodx2
jrodx2 Posts: 203 Member
edited November 2024 in Food and Nutrition
I'm finding myself confused on how much protein I should be taking in. I have been told that if I take in too much, my body will store it as fat. Since I'm trying to do the opposite, I want to make sure I'm doing this right!

Currently I have just finished up the Insanity program and am going into the hybrid program next week. I am at 5"6', 138 lbs and have my diary adjusted to the intake Beachbody recommends for me (1,729 calories/day) as well as macros of 40/40/20. With these percentages, my goal protein intake is 173g a day. However, I have been told that I should be eating my weight in protein, which would mean I should be eating 138g instead. I've also been told it's not by actual body weight but by lean body mass.

Am I overeating by trying to get up to 173g a day? Should I be changing my macros? Help please! I would hate to be doing all the work and then find out months later that I was completely wrong.

Replies

  • Sidesteal
    Sidesteal Posts: 5,510 Member
    I'm finding myself confused on how much protein I should be taking in. I have been told that if I take in too much, my body will store it as fat. Since I'm trying to do the opposite, I want to make sure I'm doing this right!

    Your body stores excess calories as fat. You can over-consume protein quite readily but if you stay in a calorie deficit you are not going to magically store fat.
    Am I overeating by trying to get up to 173g a day? Should I be changing my macros? Help please! I would hate to be doing all the work and then find out months later that I was completely wrong.

    I don't think 173g is harmful provided you are still meeting your requirements for fat intake (50g + for you daily) and provided you are performing and feeling good with your current carb intake.

    I think 1g/lb LEAN MASS is a good minimum value to set.
  • chrishgt4
    chrishgt4 Posts: 1,222 Member
    40/40/20 is a pretty good starting point for a macronutrient ratio. You might find you want to tailor it slightly depending on how your body reacts. Some people need more protein, some more carbs, but I personally hover between 35/40/25 and 40/40/20
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