Is going over your protein allowance for the day bad?

pb6012002

I seem to be going over the allowed amount of protein during my day, but not my calories or fat grams. Will that make me gain weight? This may sound like a dumb question, but I am new to all of this nutrition stuff. I used to just do Weight Watchers and everything was measured out for me.

SueInAz

No, it's not bad. Later on, you might be interested in tweaking fat/protein/carbohydrate ratios but for right now you really should just be worried about the total number of calories you are consuming every day and working to make better food choices.

Personally, I think MFP's goal for protein is far too low. I've manually adjusted mine to be around 100-125 grams of protein per day (depending on my exercise level).

pb6012002

Thank you. I didn't think it was harming me but I just wanted to make sure. I never go over my fat or calories that MFP recommends so that makes me safe. And to be honest, the protein that I go over with is all healthy, chicken, turkey etc.

Di3012

I seem to be going over the allowed amount of protein during my day, but not my calories or fat grams. Will that make me gain weight? This may sound like a dumb question, but I am new to all of this nutrition stuff. I used to just do Weight Watchers and everything was measured out for me.

Protein levels on MFP are on the low side unless you manually change them yourself in the settings.

Going over your protein would only be a problem for somebody if they were to have kidney problems.

Personally, I tend to go over them frequently, not through choice, just the foods I stick into my diary happen to have more than enough protein in I guess.

ps you can't store protein either, any not used will get wee'd out.

MountainMia

IMO, NOPE! I think the MFP recommendations are too generalized. I need more protein than what is reccommended so I adjusted my levels to increase my protein allotment. Other peopel may not need more, but if you find yourself going over regularly and feeling physically better, it might be right for you too. I feel better, fuller for longer and it helps repair my muscles from exercise. You have to do something extreme to damage your kidneys (ie long term ketosis). I try to eat my pounds of lean body mass in grams of protein... for me its about 122g a day. If I get over 100g, I feel great. 122 may can be a bit tough to get in while keeping everything else in balance so I don't stress it.
Calories and balance are my focus. I've done well so far and can't complain. Feel free to peek at my diary... I've been sick the last 3 days with a tummy bug, so going back further than that would be more indicative of what I'm doing. My advice would be to experiment with it and see what works for you. Even if raising your goal just makes you feel better about being in the green every day is a positive reinforcement. Keep at it and don't stress the small stuff.

malins2

No, not at all. i think it's a good thing. I have changed my food calculator for less carbs and more protein.

Update: Also, I don't care if I eat more protein or fat than what I am supposed to. I just make sure to watch the carbs very carefully and also try and stay under my total calorie goal.

pb6012002

Thanks again to all of you. You made me feel better. I do have to try and limit my carb intake as well. But that just take a little more planning.