>/< PROTEIN?!?

lowpro1983

How much is a good amount of protein per day?? I keep hearing "that's too much" or "that's too little." I currently do try to eat foods higher in protein, but I don't freak out if I don't. My ultimate goal is to get to a healthier weight and body fat overall. I exercise at least 3 times per week and I'm trying to boost that to 5 times per week. Any help is appreciated:)

SW: 225
CW: 207
GW: 185 (may adjust once I reach this!)
Height: 5'6
Body fat: 30.3

chnkytim42

i heard like a gram of protien per pound is okay, somethin like that, i shoot for 150 grams of protien, but over shoot it often, just do what feels right

chnkytim42

oh and if you open up your food diary it will help us to see where you are at

lowpro1983

Not ready to make my diary public:/ ....I'd say on average, I probably get 60-80 g of protein per day....

dwightdegroff

I often hear "eat 1g of protein for each pound of *lean mass* in your body".

So, if you have 30% body fat, you could aim for eating 145g of protein every day to retain the lean muscle you have now while still trying to lose weight.

Good luck!

lowpro1983

That sounds pretty accurate based on what I've heard too. Not really sure how I'm going to be able to attain that unless I drink shakes maybe.... thanks for the help!!

Today for example, I ate 2 eggs and grits for breakfast, a healthy choice (20 g of protein) for lunch, and for snacks - string cheese & greek yogurt. I am choosing foods with higher protein - just still not quite enough.

dwightdegroff

canned tuna, beef jerky, cottage cheese, cashews.

some are less calorie-dense than others, but they are some of my go-to protein sources.

shakes aren't a bad idea either. My first tub of whey protein arrived today, so I'll be adding that to the mix.

3laine75

its a struggle at first - just try to have some protein with every meal, even snacks.

lowpro1983

Yeah - not to sound like a picky eater, but I don't eat tuna/fish or beef jerky!! I'm thinking that I'm going to try some shakes to supplement. Today was my first day of doing a morning workout and a lunch workout - I need more calories/protein in the mornings for sure. When I got back from my 2nd workout, I had already burned off ALL of my breakfast and part of my lunch that I hadn't even eaten. I think the shakes would help me fuel my workouts and reach my calorie/protein goals....

lindaschultz45

I'm drinking the protein shakes by Premier. They have 30 g of protein per shake, 160 calories, 3g fat and only 5 g carbs. These are the best I've found on the market so far that are pre-made. I keep some at home and at work in the refrigerate. Much better ice cold. Hope that helps. I've always heard about 60g of protein per day.

littlewitch1973

Protein shakes and protein bars are good add ins for snacks too - I eat yogurt and a protein bar some mornings for breakfast - I also have them as snacks during the day most days.

lowpro1983

Nice! Thanks everyone:) I've also heard a lot of great things about the Body by Vi? Has anyone else tried these? I thought about trying them. I've actually had some a longggg time ago that I liked but I can't recall the name.