Protein...how much is enough?

LLB226

OK, so I was talking to some co-workers and they said that proteins are really good for you. How much should I be taking in a day to help lose weight??

Navyfreak

The recommended amount for women is 46 grams a day. But it's not recommended to go 2x over that amount for obvious health reasons (like failing kidneys). But all In all protein is good for your body and can take in a lot of it, just be careful, don't want it to turn into fat

carld256

Lots of people say that MFP's protein recommendations are low (even extremely low), but they match the USDA and WHO (last I checked), so I go by that.

Derameth

If you are an "average" person, perhaps that USDA recommendation is fine, but it really depends on your exercise regimen. If you are doing strength training and lifting, you should increase your Protein. For an "average" work out person (woman) I would recommend about 70 gms/day. More if you lift more.

Glucocorticoid

The recommended amount for women is 46 grams a day. But it's not recommended to go 2x over that amount for obvious health reasons (like failing kidneys). But all In all protein is good for your body and can take in a lot of it, just be careful, don't want it to turn into fat

The above is horrible advice. Don't worry about kidney problems and protein unless you already have pre-existing kidney issues.

Protein requirements would depend on the individual and his or her situation. Two important factors to consider would be what your current training routine looks like, along with how overfat you currently are. As you get leaner, your protein requirements will go up. It should also be noted that increasing your protein intake can benefit you indirectly as well (increase protein and you are more satiated, and therefore will likely eat less calories, and therefore lose weight)

UponThisRock

1g per pound of target bodyweight should be plenty

jodienc1

I eat anywhere from 85-100 grams of lean protein a day.. with a good portion of it coming from Protein shake in the morning. I am healthy and losing weight at a steady clip... 8 lbs from goal weight.

mmapags

1g per pound of target bodyweight should be plenty

This would be the most accurate of the recomendations I've read so far. BTW, eating sufficient protein does not help you to lose weight but it does help you to retain lean body mass as you eat in deficit. You don't mention you workouts so it's hard to give too specific an opinion but if you are doing strength training, UTR's recomendation is fine. I strength train and I intake more than one gram per pound of body weight or about 225 grams per day at 200 lbs. FTR, I have no kidney problems not will most people as was previously stated.

PercivalHackworth

1g per pound of target bodyweight should be plenty

This would be the most accurate of the recomendations I've read so far. BTW, eating sufficient protein does not help you to lose weight but it does help you to retain lean body mass as you eat in deficit. You don't mention you workouts so it's hard to give too specific an opinion but if you are doing strength training, UTR's recomendation is fine. I strength train and I intake more than one gram per pound of body weight or about 225 grams per day at 200 lbs. FTR, I have no kidney problems not will most people as was previously stated.

As always, great and accurate answer, thanks mm

TrainingWithTonya

The recommendation for the average person is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. If you are a strength or endurance athlete, you can take it up to 1.5-2.0 grams per kilogram of body weight. The recommendation for anyone with kidney issues (kidney stones, high blood pressure [which is a kidney condition as well as a heart condition], frequent kidney or urinary tract infections, etc.), is 0.6 grams per kilogram of body weight. Be sure to convert your weight from pounds to kilograms before you do the calculations so that you aren't over estimating your protein needs.

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16 years Certified Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor
9 years Certified Sports Nutritionist
Bachelors in Exercise Physiology with a Minor in Nutritional Science
ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist
NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

LLB226

Thank you all who replied :-) I am currently looking to lose about 30+ lbs. I work all day (mostly sitting) with little children. I don't do much as far as strength exercising, but would like to start. I have a couple herniated discs (upper and lower back), so I have to be careful, otherwise I'd be back in kickboxing class. I usually go out walking after work, anywhere between 30-60 min, weather permitting. I'm just hearing from people how good it is for you and I want to make sure I'm getting enough. Not to sound dumb, but I don't even know why it's better for you. :-/ Thanks again!!