Consistently going over protein allowance - is this bad?

cerdmann

This is my first week with MFP. I'm enjoying it a lot, but have a rather strange question. I'm able to stay at or just below my recommended calories, carbs, sugars and fat, but I consistently go over my protein allotment. Am I doing something wrong? Is this even a bad thing? Everything else is well within the recommended amounts. I'm just curious if I need to worry about this or change something. Any ideas?

Saken

high protein low fibre foods , switch for an high fiber breakfast it should do the trick
high proteins are great if you exercise

eva512

I,ve been doing the same thing and wondering the same question

But Ive lost 4 pounds in 2 weeks:ohwell: So It cant be that bad, right:embarassed:

Saken

I,ve been doing the same thing and wondering the same question

But Ive lost 4 pounds in 2 weeks:ohwell: So It cant be that bad, right:embarassed:

do you exercise?

Fieldsy

How much protein are you getting a day?

A good rule of thumb if you work out a lot with weights is 1g of protein per 1lb of lean body mass...a lot of serious lifters aim for 1g per 1lb of body weight.

eva512

yes, I do a curves workout 3 times a week :happy: and I try to fit in some taped yoga:flowerforyou:

Saken

yes, I do a curves workout 3 times a week :happy: and I try to fit in some taped yoga:flowerforyou:

it's fine then!

dmgaloha

MFP by default sets you up with 55% carbs, 15% protein, and 30% fat. You can modify these goals, so that they are more in tune with your preferred eating plan. For example, I typically follow a more "Zone" oriented diet, which is 40% carbs, 30% protein and 30% fat.

What I did is edit the goals with my preferences so that they were more in line. From "My Home", go to "Goals", then click on "Change Goals", pick "Custom" then click "Continue", change the Carb, Protein and Fat percentages to what you want and click "Change Goals". Your targets are now updated!

Wecandothis

MFP by default sets you up with 50% carbs, 15% protein, and 30% fat. You can modify these goals, so that they are more in tune with your preferred eating plan. For example, I typically follow a more "Zone" oriented diet, which is 40% carbs, 30% protein and 30% fat.

What I did is edit the goals with my preferences so that they were more in line. From "My Home", go to "Goals", then click on "Change Goals", pick "Custom" then click "Continue", change the Carb, Protein and Fat percentages to what you want and click "Change Goals". Your targets are now updated!

That is exactly right. There are plenty of different theories about what the exact percentages should be, but I found that the way I was eating - what seemed to fill me up while still staying low in calories was the 40/30/30.

You can research on the internet, or library, but maybe some of the nutrition experts who are on here will explain the differences much better than I can.

emmasmom3

I would have to agree in that if you are working out at least three x per week, that you need the protein. The dangerous area is when you don't exercise, no matter what you take in too much of, it will be extra, and not used as fuel, So I totally recommend working out, and if you are having success with the program, that you should keep the protein up. I typically eat way over my recommended protein as I am lifting and doing cardio six days a week. My goal is to build lean muscle mass. Hope this helps.
Stephanie

anna1131

I was watchng the today show a while back and this lady was talking about protein. She said if you divide your weight in half and add 10. Thats about how much protein your body needs. You can go to todayshow.com to find the article. I thought it made sense. Not sure if it is true or not.

Fieldsy

yeah, I hate the way they put their standard macro levels.....15% is so low for protein

yankeefamily05

I'm always going over my protein allowance...Isn't there a way to change it on here?

dmgaloha

Yes, there is a way to change it. I included it in my post above, but I'll make it stick out more.

To change your Carb/Protein/Fat percentages:
Go to "My Home"
Go to "Goals"
Click on "Change Goals"
Pick "Custom"
Click "Continue"
Change the Carb, Protein and Fat percentages to what you want (ex. 40, 30, 30)
Click "Change Goals"

Your targets are now updated!

cerdmann

Thanks everyone! These are great ideas and comments. I do work out at least 5 days a week with 40-50 minutes of pure cardio and 20 minutes of strength training with weights. Since I'm so new to this program, I wasn't sure if I was doing something wrong. I'll check it over a two week span and if I still stay consistently above the protein levels, but within all the other recommended levels, and I'm losing weight, then I'll go to the "Change Goals" section and change my protein target. Great advice!

prayerfulmom

I am on a low protein diet (see profile) recommended by a renal dietician. The MFP standards just about meet that (just a tad high for me). So for the normal person going over some is not a big deal. It really is all about balance.

Wecandothis

I am on a low protein diet (see profile) recommended by a renal dietician. The MFP standards just about meet that (just a tad high for me). So for the normal person going over some is not a big deal. It really is all about balance.

Wow thanks for that info - honestly that puts it in perspective. It's all so confusing to me, as a newb.

stormieweather

40/30/30 is the very best breakdown I've found so far, for me, as well.