Protein and sugar counts are worrying me a little

gracieabem

Hello there,

Just a quick background... I have already lost 33kg (72lbs) through eating healthier. More fruit/vege, lean meat and protein sources, low-gi grains and cereals, low-fat dairy and, of course, treats every now and again. Basically, my aim is to get the fruit/veges in everyday and the rest of my intake is built up around this. I've been going to the gym and doing some resistance and a little cardio three days a week and running Couch25k three days a weeks (I'm on Week7Day2.) I'm very happy with my results of course, but have joined myfitnesspal to record keep and monitor my intake.

The two areas that concern me are protein and sugar.
Firstly sugar - I eat two, possibly three pieces of fruit a day, I have low-fat yoghurt without added sugar, low-fat milk all contain sugar and my breakfast cereal has around 8 grams of sugar from memory. Some veges have sugar. I will admit to the occasional treat - small chocolate, a sultana bun/piece raisin toast. When someone makes a desert for a special occasion, I'll have a small piece. And there is no way I could ever say no to mum's apple/fruit crumble. But these are not things I have lot of. I don't take sugar in my coffee or tea. I don't have sugary drinks. Only water, tea, coffee and sometimes vege juice.

I am over the sugar limit of MFP everyday. Is my sugar intake completely unreasonable or am I starting to over think things?

Also, protein. I didn't think I had a protein rich diet, but I do. I have no problem reaching my target and then going over. I usually have lean chicken, tuna, chickpeas or baked beans with my lunch and a small portion of fish, beef, chicken, or beans for dinner. I eat lots of veges. The cereals, wraps and bread of my choice (chosen for being wholegrains and satisfying) are all high in protein. I enjoy a yoghurt on most, if not all days.

It's not like I eat 200gram steaks in one sitting, I thought I was being conservative but now I'm a little worried about my intake. What are the implications? Any ideas or tips? I have trouble getting my iron intake as it is and take supplements.

Thanks in advance.

purpleipod

The protein limit is set really low on this site, most everyone goes over it very easily. As far as sugar goes, I don't even track sugar. I personally don't see the sense in it unless your doctor's told you to limit your sugar intake due to health reasons. Of course, I'm not going out and eating a cup of sugar a day, but that's just personally what i do.

gracieabem

Thanks PurpleIpod,
Just after I posted this, I saw another thread about sugar so I guess you guys get this question a fair bit. I don't think I'll worry about my natural sugars, but I'll just keep my refined/treat sugars down. I could never cut them out completely, but I have no problem keeping them down.