How much is TOO much protein?

Leslie85
Leslie85 Posts: 265 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Is it possible for me to consume too much protein? For example, yesterday, MFP set my protein goal at 54g, and I ended the day with 109g. I do work out- I doubt I'd consider it "hard core" working out though- but it's decently vigorous. As a side note, I don't have a lot to lose, and I would like to tone up a bit.

All my protein on this particular day consisted of greek yogurt, fat flush soup (using 97% FF ground turkey), a pork chop, a whey protein shake, and a few other odds and ends that contained a little protein.

I know your body can only digest so much protein- so is this okay? I'm not TRYING to eat that much protein, it just kind of happens some days. As long as it's not harming me in any way I'm fine with it. But if I need to cut back I can.
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Replies

  • sheguay
    sheguay Posts: 14
    I can't believe you posted this about protein!!! I was just talking to my husband about this last night...I am always over on protein and was wondering the same thing! Hoping some responses come this way today! Thanks for asking and sorry no answer right now!
  • Leslie85
    Leslie85 Posts: 265 Member
    That's okay! Yes, hopefully some good answers- I've always been so curious about this.
  • NoraMich84
    NoraMich84 Posts: 109 Member
    I have often wondered this as well. I have read that unless you have health issues, consuming up to half your body weight is acceptable. After reading this article I set my MFP macros to 40%carb/30%fat/30%protein. At 1500 cals a day that gives me over 100 grams of protein a day. I haven't been doing it long, but I haven't had any adverse effects. Hopefully someone else is a bit more helpful. The link the the article is below if you want to look at it: http://www.acaloriecounter.com/weight-loss.php
  • Saruman_w
    Saruman_w Posts: 1,531 Member
    109g is not enough, IMO (Well I suppose it depends on your size, height, etc ). Protein is good for you! Eat it up! In order to eat too much protein that may cause damage to you, you'd have to go way beyond over your calories than you'd want to. So as long as you stay within your calorie limit you're fine. That's not to say going over means you're doomed however.
  • koen612
    koen612 Posts: 83
    From my general understanding, you should have a high protein intake. Im not a doctor or nutritionist, but i do tend to over analyze everything i do. The most important thing is to keep you diet balanced, dont cut all carbs and focus soley on protein, it might lead to ketosis. Protein is gream for thermic affect, and is key in repairing and growing skin cells, hair , and healing wounds. Lean protein should always been first choice. Protein also feeds your muscles, which will help you tone up, i would also suggest minor weight lifting, instead of alot of weight, start off with small weight and do, numerous repititions. Just remeber too drink lots of water, and ensure you have a balanced diet. :) good luck
  • Leslie85
    Leslie85 Posts: 265 Member
    I'd heard the half your body weight thing too, so I guess that is why MFP set my goal around 50 something. But I still get my carbs in...I love my carbs- but just making them good carbs these days!
  • BumbyDog
    BumbyDog Posts: 70 Member
    consuming up to half your body weight is acceptable

    :noway: that's a LOT of protein!!
  • nicehormones
    nicehormones Posts: 503 Member
    It's not too much. I have a goal of 119 grams protein, which is hard for me to reach. I am happy if I go over 100 grams. I think mfp has protein set ridiculously low for some people. You need adequate protein if you want to try and keep your muscle mass while losing weight, or when trying to gain muscle.
  • astrampe
    astrampe Posts: 2,169 Member
    i am female, work out 5/6 times a week - 4x running 3 times weights., and I eat between 170 - 200g of protein a day - I weigh 176... Drink lots of water and eat enough healthy fat and you will be fine...MFP's settings for protein is way to low..
  • Leslie85
    Leslie85 Posts: 265 Member
    i am female, work out 5/6 times a week - 4x running 3 times weights., and I eat between 170 - 200g of protein a day - I weigh 176... Drink lots of water and eat enough healthy fat and you will be fine...MFP's settings for protein is way to low..

    I thought they seemed awfully low too! I mean, 50g protein...in a DAY? crazy!
  • JoniBologna
    JoniBologna Posts: 653 Member
    MFP's recommended protein amount is pretty low. I am a bit heavier than you, but I eat about 130g a day, sometimes more. I prefer it this way, as protein satisfies my hunger and keeps me fuller longer. There is a small chance that too much protein will negatively affect your kidneys, but it is not a problem for most people. This is something you should discuss with your doctor. On another note, I if you eat a lot of protein it is important to increase your fiber too, or you could get constipated.
  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,224 Member
    It's almost impossible to consume too much protein where chronic complication com up. Consume protein with a 0 fat intake, then the hospital is in the cards very quickly.
  • Elen_Sia
    Elen_Sia Posts: 638 Member
    I lift weights 4x a week and aim to eat at least 1g per lb of body weight in protein every day. On lifting days, I eat up to 140g. On non-lifting days, I aim for between 105 and 110.
  • pastryari
    pastryari Posts: 8,646 Member
    I've heard a lot of people on this site recommend something like a gram of protein for every lb of lean body mass you have.
  • chelll224
    chelll224 Posts: 52 Member
    I read on another thread that you should aim for 1 gram of protein for every pound of lean body mass you have. For me that's about 94 grams per day. I changed my goals to decrease carbs and increase protein and fat. And I'm losing weight! Gotta love it! :smile:
  • loseiteli
    loseiteli Posts: 242 Member
    It's not too much. I have a goal of 119 grams protein, which is hard for me to reach. I am happy if I go over 100 grams. I think mfp has protein set ridiculously low for some people. You need adequate protein if you want to try and keep your muscle mass while losing weight, or when trying to gain muscle.

    This. My protein goal is set at 130g...I have to try hard to hit that (and only get <30 from a shake), normally coming in around 115g. :smile:
  • marieautumn
    marieautumn Posts: 928 Member
    after a little research i found that MFP was telling me to eat too little protein. I found an online calculator that told me to eat 90G a day, which a few friends agreed with. Its hard for me to make it to the 90G, but i'm trying. :smile:
  • bradthemedic
    bradthemedic Posts: 623 Member
    1g of protein per lean pound of body mass.
  • cyncetastic
    cyncetastic Posts: 165
    I generally go by the 1-1.5g of protein per lb of body weight. So I usually consume ~130g a day and I'm 5'4" and 128 lbs.
  • mariaperry
    mariaperry Posts: 6
    this is what i came across and follow

    Daily %' s coming from Calories

    45-65 % should come from carbs (good carbs like fruits and veggies)
    20-30% should come from fat
    10-35% should come from protein
  • Sevio
    Sevio Posts: 181 Member
    Someone who is very much into fitness and training and health just told me yesterday 1 g of Protein for every lb. per day.....
  • joejccva71
    joejccva71 Posts: 2,985 Member
    How much is too much? 500g in one sitting.

    You should be consuming 1g of protein per lb of LBM. The leaner you get, you should probably up it to 1.25-1.5g per lb of LBM to help retain. As people get lean, your body is dying to burn muscle as well as fat. Your body likes fat a lot more than it likes muscle.
  • brittbonshor
    brittbonshor Posts: 42 Member
    http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=50900
  • amysj303
    amysj303 Posts: 5,086 Member
    I set my macros to 40/30/30 for carbs/protein/fat and that comes out to a 140 grams of protein. The 40/30/30 is recommended by a lot of the trainers I have read and is "The Zone" diet as well.
    I am 5'4", 115 lbs, and set to maintain at about 1800 cals per day.
    You can customize your settings if you haven't, the default for protein is really low!
  • UponThisRock
    UponThisRock Posts: 4,519 Member
    You can eat too much, but you're not even remotely close.
  • CoryIda
    CoryIda Posts: 7,870 Member
    How much is too much? 500g in one sitting.

    You should be consuming 1g of protein per lb of LBM. The leaner you get, you should probably up it to 1.25-1.5g per lb of LBM to help retain. As people get lean, your body is dying to burn muscle as well as fat. Your body likes fat a lot more than it likes muscle.
    ^^This.

    My LBM is around 130 pounds and I aim for around 180 g of protein/day. Of course, I am not trying to lose anymore, just maintain and maybe build a bit more muscle.
  • brittbonshor
    brittbonshor Posts: 42 Member
    http://www.daveywaveyfitness.com/nutrition/8-side-effects-of-too-much-protein/
  • mgmlap
    mgmlap Posts: 1,377 Member
    Yesterday I lifted for about 1.5 hrs..ended up with 194 g of protein..today is cardio day.. (5k walk with the dogs) and will end up with about 140g of protein.

    You need to refuel..so its up to you...But i do think that MFP sets the macros really weird. My carbs..I do about 100-120 a day...I try not to go over since I have PCOS and IR...I have been able to maintain since November..so I know what I am doing is right for my body....
  • brittbonshor
    brittbonshor Posts: 42 Member
    http://diet.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Side_Effects_of_Too_Much_Protein_in_the_Diet
  • Sidesteal
    Sidesteal Posts: 5,510 Member
    If excess protein intake causes you to exceed your calorie goal it is probably too much.
    If excess protein intake causes you to repeatedly (over the course of time) neglect dietary fat it is probably too much.
    If excess protein intake causes you to drop carbs low enough to suffer performance or mood issues, it is probably too much.


    Beyond the above I wouldn't worry about it.

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