A little backwards...regarding protein

stephmt528 · April 2012

Hi-

I just started using MFP 2 weeks ago. I am loving it so far! I'm a bit surprised by how much protein I'm eating. I have not necessarily changed my eating habits, but have been entering everything in and adjusting portions and what I choose for snacks to meet my daily intakes. Going into this I would have thought that I would have more issues keeping my calories, carbs, and fats down, but it's actually the protein I'm having difficulty with!

KacieHetrick · April 2012

I have a horrible time getting enough protein! LOL What are you eating!?

mmklinemm · April 2012

That's a good thing! The more protein, the better.

Syreeta6 · April 2012

Why would you want to keep protein down? I have trouble reaching my protein goal and have to drink nasty shakes as a result.

My1985Freckles · April 2012

MFP's protein default is VERY low. I lose weight better with more protein/less carbs. I might have to peek at your diary to see what you snack on since I never seem to be able to get as much protein as I would like! :flowerforyou:

Chunky_Monkey18 · April 2012

I'm having the same problem, but my Iron is really low too. High protein, low iron? I always thought those things went hand in hand. What's the deal?

hedgiie · April 2012

That's a good thing! The more protein, the better.

not exactly, right amount of protein is the best. too high then it's just a waste plus it's stressfull to your liver, and may cause gas also. too low then you are sacrificing muscle loss and total conditioning

JupitersGhost · April 2012

As far as I'm aware, you don't need to worry about going over with your protein intake too much.

I've seen many people say that MFP sets people with a very small protein limit (15% of calorie intake) and that it may be best to increase it. Mine is currently set at 30% and I find it encourages me to get all the protein I need as I never used to get enough (roughly 5-8% of my calorie intake).

Just my 2 cents - I'm no where near as knowlegdable as others on the forums.

Edit: Also, if you're consuming a lot of protein, make sure you're drinking enough water as it can put stress on your body trying to process it all.

Tree72 · April 2012

Hello, welcome to MFP.

Unless you have some health issue where it will be a problem (typically kidney issues), then eating more than the specified amount of protein shouldn't cause you any problems. There is some argument as to how much protein is optimal for weight loss. The default setting on MFP is pretty much the lowest recommended percentage. Many of us switch it up and manually set our goals so that protein makes up a higher percentage of our daily calories.

icemaiden17_uk · April 2012

If you are working out then don't worry about it!! You will need that protein to build muscle! I have the oposite problem! My protein is rubbish and I am doing cardio and strength training and losing muscle mass!! It sucks!! I want to lose fat not muscle!!

Anyway, as I said, don't worry! If you are not working out then maybe start weighing your protien a bit more strickly?

k011185 · April 2012

The mfp protein goals are quite low, I use it as a minimum instead of a max!

lporter229 · April 2012

Are you using the default macros? The consensus seems to be that the protein requirements are on the low side.

NoraMich84 · April 2012

First off welcome :happy: I know people say that the protein macro here is generally low, so it's okay if you go over. Unless you have restrictions from the doctor, extra protein is good for you. It aids in muscle recovery and it digest slower so you feel satisfied longer. If seeing the red bothers you, you can adjust your macros to suite your needs. I adjusted my macros to get 40% carbs, 30% protein and 30%. That gives me over 100 grams of protein a day!!! Yup, lots of protein. So I think you are okay.

stephmt528 · April 2012

I'm going over what MFP says I should for protein. That's why I'm curious.

That's interesting that it's felt that the protein default is low...I also figured that if I was going over on anything that protein would be the best one. But I also know there should be a balance between all of them for optimum metabolism. Just surprised me...

Does everyone follow the defaults or daily intakes given by MFP, or do you use other resources to adjust?

WhitneyAnnabelle · April 2012

It's amazing how many people on here (specifically omnivores) have trouble getting enough protein considering the protein obsession, if you will, in this country. I've read so many articles about how Americans usually get way too much protein than they need. I'm vegan, so I definitely have trouble getting it. But meat/dairy/egg eaters...why aren't you getting enough protein?

WhitneyAnnabelle · April 2012

I didn't mean that in a snarky way-- I'm just legitimately curious

carld256 · April 2012

MFP's protein recommendations aren't low. The USDA recommends 56g a day for men and 46g a day for women. MFP suggests 67g a day for me.

tamsinwhitfield · April 2012

I'm having the same problem, but my Iron is really low too. High protein, low iron? I always thought those things went hand in hand. What's the deal?

Red meat is iron rich, not so much white (if that's where you're getting your protein from). Iron is easy enough to bump up though.

And, yeah, along the lines of what others have posted - I use the MFP protein quantity as a minimum value rather than max (as advised by my trainer, particularly on workout days).

dbsykes · April 2012

Nothing to add on the subject, just wanted to thank you for posting it. I'm having the same problem. Doing great in all the other areas but going over on my protein everyday.