PROTEIN protein PROTEIN...

anaboneana

I seem to come across a lot of MFPers who are super-big on protein. I'm okay with this, since I like meat (chicken, fish, venison) and actually enjoy the taste of protein shakes. My question:

Is too much protein really bad?
I'm sure it is in excess (excess being a hella a lot)..

But what if you go over your daily limit -every-single-day? What are the real benefits of protein, too?
I assume it helps build muscle and boost the metabolism, but I'm not 100% sure.

peanutlover50

I have read that too much protein is actually stored as fat.

Summerful

Yeah, too much and it could just turn to fat like most other categories if not worked off or into muscle Protein comes from other things besides meat too if your interested (google is a great tool for researching it). Surprisingly most people tend to actually consume too much protein... but sure is yummy

Rhia55

I always go over on my protein, but I started weight training so it doesn't bother me too much.

yo_andi

Too much of anything is stored as fat.

Personally, I'd rather go a bit lower on carbs and a bit higher on fat and protein because that is what my body responds to best. If it fits in your macros, don't shy away from it.

drmerc

you lost me at "hella"

DopeItUp

No real problem with it. People with kidney problems need to consult a doctor before consuming high protein. I assume extreme levels of protein (400, 500g) etc could possibly result in problems as well.

In other words, don't worry about it. Get at least 100g a day I'd say. Most people have extremely carb-heavy diets, switching to heavy protein will greatly decrease hunger and thus will increase your chances of success.

TinGirl314

I've studied this a lot. I've been told by my doctor that I can have 150 grams of protein a day (I lift 3 times a week)... the only time she said they would tel you to cut it back is if your Kidney starts to show a decline. It's very rare though, usually you get the kidney damage first, and just have to watch your protein from the beginning.

That's just my opinion though.

Sarauk2sf

Is too much protein really bad?
I'm sure it is in excess (excess being a hella a lot)..

Unless you have some pre-existing kidney problem, you are correct. If you are high on protein, make sure you stay hydrated.

But what if you go over your daily limit -every-single-day? What are the real benefits of protein, too?
I assume it helps build muscle and boost the metabolism, but I'm not 100% sure.

Adequate protein plus resistance training helps either retain LBM or build, depending on whether you are on a calorie deficit or surplus.

It does not boost your metabolism but does have a higher TEF than carbs and fats.

Edited to fix typo.

tequilasunris3

you lost me at "hella"

Why do you always feel the need to provoke a reaction? Every thread I've seen you post in..

zaph0d

I have read that too m̶u̶c̶h̶ ̶p̶r̶o̶t̶e̶i̶n̶ many calories i̶s̶ are actually stored as fat.

Fixed that for you

HappyStack

Unless you're eating a pound of actual protein (100g of chicken isn't 100g of protein, of course - oh, if only it were that easy) per day, you're probably fine (save for preexisting medical conditions).

I get in around 200g of protein a day, and I'm 145lbs at 5'4.

drmerc

you lost me at "hella"

Why do you always feel the need to provoke a reaction? Every thread I've seen you post in..

Why do you think sweet cheeks?

tequilasunris3

you lost me at "hella"

Why do you always feel the need to provoke a reaction? Every thread I've seen you post in..

Why do you think sweet cheeks?

...what? I actually don't know, enlighten me.

castlerobber

An excess of protein without sufficient fat can lead to protein poisoning, aka "rabbit starvation". Here's the Wikipedia article.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbit_starvation

It has to do with eating rabbit, which is a very lean meat, not with denying food to rabbits. ;-)

The article mentions a threshold of protein consumption: "It has been observed that the human liver cannot safely metabolise much more than 285-365 g of protein per day (for an 80 kg person)"

opus649

you lost me at "hella"

Why do you always feel the need to provoke a reaction? Every thread I've seen you post in..

angieleighbyrd

I've been told 1gm of protein per 1 pound you weigh.

MFP sets protein goals ridiculously low.

Sarauk2sf

An excess of protein without sufficient fat can lead to protein poisoning, aka "rabbit starvation". Here's the Wikipedia article.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbit_starvation

It has to do with eating rabbit, which is a very lean meat, not with denying food to rabbits. ;-)

The article mentions a threshold of protein consumption: "It has been observed that the human liver cannot safely metabolise much more than 285-365 g of protein per day (for an 80 kg person)"

The issue with Rabbit Starvation is that the people suffering from it basically ONLY ate rabbit (where the term came from). Rabbits are too lean to provide enough fat and do not provide enough micronutrients to stop malnutrition. It is really not an issue with high protein, but low fats. It is an incredibly extreme condition and should not be taken out of context.

Extract:
"Rabbit starvation, also referred to as protein poisoning or mal de caribou, is a form of acute malnutrition caused by excess consumption of any lean meat (e.g., rabbit) coupled with a lack of other sources of nutrients usually in combination with other stressors, such as severe cold or dry environment."

If you look at the link to the study it actually says:

"This is well below the theoretical maximum safe intake range for an 80 kg person (285 to 365 g/d)." Not actually what can be safely metabolized - its a theoretical limit. I am not suggesting that it should be exceeded - but just clarifying the context.

Edited to correct typos.

opus649

I've been told 1gm of protein per 1 pound you weigh.

MFP sets protein goals ridiculously low.

That depends on who you ask. Of course, the CDC isn't selling ads for protein powder....

http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/basics/protein.html

Effpcos

Too much of anything is stored as fat.

Personally, I'd rather go a bit lower on carbs and a bit higher on fat and protein because that is what my body responds to best. If it fits in your macros, don't shy away from it.

^ this. I've set my macros to 30% carb, 40% protein and 30% fat, I don't always make it there (yesterday being a good example of not getting it right) but I feel fantastic and my body is responding well. I haven't felt tired since I started on higher protein and I have five kids, including two who still aren't sleeping through the night. I've been losing steadily and I feel very satisfied appetite-wise and still have the focus and energy to keep up with the kids (and everything else!).

love4fitnesslove4food_wechange

must be from CA...we say "Hella" in Ca

tequilasunris3

you lost me at "hella"

Why do you always feel the need to provoke a reaction? Every thread I've seen you post in..

I know I know I know, I got trolled and all that.. but on a fitness site, really? and on his own too.. just seems a bit sad.

PetulantOne

I've been told 1gm of protein per 1 pound you weigh.

MFP sets protein goals ridiculously low.

I believe it's 1gm for every 1 pound of lbm you have. Either way I agree with everyone else. As long as it fits your calories, your good.

opus649

I know I know I know, I got trolled and all that.. but on a fitness site, really? and on his own too.. just seems a bit sad.

I thought it was funny.... hella funny... :flowerforyou:

kentmac

The recommended daily intakes for fat, protein, and carbs used by default on MFP are based on the FDA guidelines, which are notoriously carb heavy and way too low in protein.

Protein is a fuel source, just like carbs and fat, so yes, it can be stored as fat if you're in a caloric surplus. However, protein tends to be very satiating, helping to keep you full longer, and slow digesting, meaning less of a spike in blood sugar. It is also absolutely necessary for the repair of muscle cells damaged during exercise (as well as every other cell in the body, for that matter.)

An active individual should aim to take in 1g/lb of lean mass per day. If you're exercising very intensely on a daily basis, upwards of 1.5 or even 2g might be necessary.

And no, eating that much won't hurt you unless your kidneys are already compromised. If you're not on dialysis, a few hundred grams of protein per day is absolutely safe.

ronkelley2

i was told that if you eat protien in modartion and keep the fats down it with mussel rebuilting when you exercise.. but the biggest thing i found is i burn more fat off....and as said already ifeel better later............

tequilasunris3

I know I know I know, I got trolled and all that.. but on a fitness site, really? and on his own too.. just seems a bit sad.

I thought it was funny.... hella funny... :flowerforyou:

ronkelley2

i was told that if you eat protien in modartion and keep the fats down. it helps with mussel rebuilting when you exercise.. but the biggest thing i found is i burn more fat off....and as said already i feel better later............

Effpcos

I love my protein but will go for fats over carbs (healthy ones of course- fish, nuts, veg oils), my brain NEEDS them, .

WendyTerry420

I've been told 1gm of protein per 1 pound you weigh.

MFP sets protein goals ridiculously low.

That depends on who you ask. Of course, the CDC isn't selling ads for protein powder....

http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/basics/protein.html

Also, it's NOT per pound you weigh, its per pound of lean body mass. There is a big difference for most people.

anaboneana

you lost me at "hella"

Welcome to the year 2012 - I'm sure you must be enjoying it. *eyeroll*