PROTEIN protein PROTEIN...

anaboneana

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

Fixed that for you

That's what I've thought. I feel like eating an extra few grams of protein is better than consuming additional grams of something that's loaded with fat/sugar.

anaboneana

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

Nope... Surprise surprise, I'm from the ghetto-state of Montana. (College town -> have to keep things "fresh". Plus, all of the jargon from textbooks gets quite old, very quickly, so I'm fond of reverting to sub-standard English to counteract the ridiculous science/anthropological terms that get into my thoughts. Can't get too edumacated...)

laserturkey

Because I have dodgy kidneys, too much protein is a Very Bad Thing™ for me. For people without kidney problems, excess protein shouldn't be that big of a deal.

anaboneana

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.

Thanks for the advice. I've been thinking about how strange the MFP daily goal limits are. Like you pointed out, they seem low. Glad to know I'm not the only person who feels this way. Also, I absolutely agree that protein makes me feel much more satisfied than carbs. (That's why I was curious about whether it's alright to consume a bunch of protein vs. a lot of carbs. I don't feel like I'm getting too much... I've actually felt better as I'm attempting to clean up my diet.)

anaboneana

Thanks for the replies, everyone!

mmapags

you lost me at "hella"

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

Maybe it would be better if you kept you comments on the subject matter than engaging in personal attacks. if you don't like his posts, move on.

mmapags

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.

That really depends on how lean you are. If you have a fairly high body fat %, what you stated is true. If you have a fairly low body fat %, the original statement is correct. There is not probelm, within reason, to err on the high side. There are potential benefits in developing or preserving lean muscle mass.

castlerobber

Thanks for the advice. I've been thinking about how strange the MFP daily goal limits are. Like you pointed out, they seem low.

I may be wrong, but I think they default to the USDA recommendations of 55% of calories from carbohydrate, 30% from fat, and 15% from protein.

mmapags

Thanks for the advice. I've been thinking about how strange the MFP daily goal limits are. Like you pointed out, they seem low.

I may be wrong, but I think they default to the USDA recommendations of 55% of calories from carbohydrate, 30% from fat, and 15% from protein.

I think you are right.

macdiver

Yes, this is our governments recommendation for macro's based on the low fat 80's and 90's. Current thought is that protein and fat should be higher and carbs lower. The government might catch up in 20 years.

Edited to add: I intended to quote the post stating the macros recommended by the USDA or CDC.

JasonDetwiler

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

No

JasonDetwiler

Thanks for the advice. I've been thinking about how strange the MFP daily goal limits are. Like you pointed out, they seem low.

I may be wrong, but I think they default to the USDA recommendations of 55% of calories from carbohydrate, 30% from fat, and 15% from protein.

USDA tells an obese population to eat mostly grain, fruit, and vegetables. The government also makes you put a fuel source that's only 60% as effective into your gasoline while demanding car makers to make cars get more MPG. Same reason...

n0ob

The RDA for protein is a MINIMUM for a sedentary individual to maintain nitrogen balance. Is that REALLY any of you guy's goal?

It sure as s**t ain't mine...

castlerobber

USDA tells an obese population to eat mostly grain, fruit, and vegetables. The government also makes you put a fuel source that's only 60% as effective into your gasoline while demanding car makers to make cars get more MPG. Same reason...

+1

tiannasmithers

Can anyone tell me a bit about protein and if it’s bad if you go over your amount? I’m one week in and I’m know I’m making good choices and I’m staying under the calories allotted but I’m not getting enough carbs and going over in protein

sollyn23l2

tiannasmithers wrote: »

Can anyone tell me a bit about protein and if it’s bad if you go over your amount? I’m one week in and I’m know I’m making good choices and I’m staying under the calories allotted but I’m not getting enough carbs and going over in protein

For your average person, no, going "over" on protein is not a problem. Many people find protein satiating and choose to eat a higher protein, lower carb diet (a la Atkins). I think this is totally fine. But please, do make sure and eat some fruits and veggies too.

AnnPT77

tiannasmithers wrote: »

Can anyone tell me a bit about protein and if it’s bad if you go over your amount? I’m one week in and I’m know I’m making good choices and I’m staying under the calories allotted but I’m not getting enough carbs and going over in protein

Within reason, it's fine. Fats and protein are essential nutrients, in the technical sense that our bodies can't manufacture them out of any other nutrient, so we need to eat some. Carbs are more flexible, nutritionally. As long as you're not eating so much protein it drives out other nutrition you need, you're fine. (A few people with pre-existing diseases need to limit protein, but you'd know.)

It would be good to get protein somewhere in the range of 0.6g-0.8g per pound of healthy goal weight daily, maybe more if strength training or very athletically active.

Some people find that eating quite few carbs tanks their energy level, while other people find that eating more carbs spikes their appetite. Those things seem to be very individual, so just something to keep in mind, maybe experiment with, if you have issues with energy or appetite/cravings.

Also, BTW the idea is not to stay much under your calorie goal (assuming you told MFP you want to lose X amount per week). The idea is to stay very close to your calorie goal, say +/- 50. Faster weight loss isn't necessarily better: It can be counter-productive.

Best wishes!

AnnPT77

By the way to all readers: Other than the last few posts, this is a zombie thread from 2012. Like many threads from that long ago, it has some truly terrible advice in it. Be careful!

_John_

Woah, blast from the past...