Too Much Protein?

catherinesweightloss

Everyday, according to my food diary here, I am going over my protein by between 20 and 60 grams. I do 45 min to 1 hour of strength training three times per week, and four times when i can make it to the gym. My boyfriend tells me not to stress about going over the protein, but in my head..it's like breaking the weight loss rules. I am most always under my calories (we all splurge on occasion), and same with my fat and carbs...is too much protein going to stop my weight loss goals?

I have lost an average of 2.5 lbs per week over the last three weeks that I have been keeping track of this, so i feel that is about where i want to be. This is my third time trying to do this, so I don't want to mess it up, third time is suppose to be a charm

melaniecheeks

The MFP default settings for protein are really low - anywhere up to 100g per day is absolutely fine, if you have no other medical issues.

Huffdogg

There aren't a TON of useful studies on how much protein may be too much. The only real dangers are to your kidneys and your wallet. It's definitely the most satisfying of the macronutrients and loads useful. Most of the well-recognized authorities on fitness nutrition out there encourage somewhere in the neighborhood of 1g of protein per lb of bodyweight per day (or 2g/kg). Layne Norton (one of the biggest fitness nutrition experts there is) says that for people strength training, there is no reason not to intake 1.5g/lb (3g/kg). There is solid evidence that, unless you have preexisting kidney problems, there is the potential of a high intake like that to provide a handful of benefits.

In short, MFP is stupid on protein. Do not merely "not worry about" going over. Change your goal and strive to hit it above all else.

If you would like to see a site that will give you solid recommendations for macros splits, try http://www.1percentedge.com/ifcalc/

BrianSharpe

Assuming that you're exercising at a reasonably intense level and that you don't have pre-exisiting kidney disease the additional protein is probably beneficial as protein aids in recovery (not just in weight lifting, runners too).

As previously mentioned, there's not a lot of solid research on how much is too much. For most people the biggest risk associated with intentionally supplementing protein are to your wallet.

tlucas69

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