Should you aim for such high protein if...

thealphabetpony
thealphabetpony Posts: 25
in Food and Nutrition
Should you be aiming for such high protein levels (100g+ a day) if you aren't training hard (strength training-wise) but are looking to lose weight? I struggle to hit the the recommended 119g, usually getting to around 80g if I'm lucky, but I swear whenever I begin eating more protein I feel bigger and as though I'm gaining weight. I do workout a few times a week, cardio and some strength (or classes combining the two), and usually reach my carbs/fat goals. I have barely lost a pound for almost a year now, and though upping my protein would help me! However it seems to have little effect on me and I am truly at a loss how to get the last 15 pounds off!

P.S. sorry for another protein thread. I too cringe at the hundreds of "too much protein?" threads too, but I am so stumped/desperate and need some help! Also I'm not going strictly by weight, in fact I rarely weigh in anymore, but I am talking clothing wise, appearance, inches etc.

Replies

  • Rilke
    Rilke Posts: 1,201 Member
    Find what works for you. 80g is enough for most women (excepting strength training; I don't know anything about it, so I don't give advice to those who do it). I, too, feel "heavy" when my intake approaches 100g or so; others function beautifully on high protein intake.

    For the vast majority of people, weight loss about about calories.
  • yarwell
    yarwell Posts: 10,477 Member
    80g of protein would be generally OK for 80 - 100 lbs of lean body mass ie 100 - 125 lbs weight at 20% body fat.

    80g = 320 calories = 25% of 1280 calorie diet which isn't really that high as a % TBH.
  • graelwyn
    graelwyn Posts: 1,340 Member
    Yeah, much as I love my cheeses, fish, eggs and protein shakes, I found I felt heavy and bulky and even gained a pound or two when my protein was up to 140g + per day. I feel more comfortable at around 100g per day personally, but tend to find 80g to little with the fact I workout almost every day.
  • thealphabetpony
    thealphabetpony Posts: 25
    Find what works for you. 80g is enough for most women (excepting strength training; I don't know anything about it, so I don't give advice to those who do it). I, too, feel "heavy" when my intake approaches 100g or so; others function beautifully on high protein intake.

    For the vast majority of people, weight loss about about calories.

    I'm generally within my calorie goal (1480, though I've been reducing it back to 1200-1300 again). I'm 5"4, 137 pounds, 20 years old, so I really don't know what's up! I'm glad that is 80g is enough because even that can be a struggle to reach!

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