Help re: protein

EdibleEm
EdibleEm Posts: 10
edited September 20 in Food and Nutrition
I don't know if it is a bad thing but I keep going over my allotted protein intake for the day. I have been just under the reccommended amount for calories, carbs, and fat but almost always am dead on or over for protein. Is this bad? Am I sabatoging my weight loss goals? Please help me to understand the implications or consequences of this!

Thank you :)

Replies

  • sphinctress
    sphinctress Posts: 202 Member
    I have the same problem! Any nutrition experts out there with some insight?
    : )
  • gmvanloo
    gmvanloo Posts: 100 Member
    If you're going to go over, protein is the place to do it. As long as you are getting your protein from lean sources you should be fine.
  • courtney_love2001
    courtney_love2001 Posts: 1,468 Member
    The consensus among most is that mfp sets your protein ratio a little low, so it's ok to go over on it. You can go in and manually change your ratios for fat:carb:protein, but be sure to do a little research and find out what a healthy ratio would be for you. Mine is 50 carbs, 30 protein, 20 fat. See what works for you and good luck!
  • itsmenatalie
    itsmenatalie Posts: 190 Member
    Yep, much better to go over on protein than on fat or carbs. Lean protein is great for you and will help you build muscle if you are exercising.
  • YoungJr42
    YoungJr42 Posts: 25 Member
    The rule of thumb for protein is, whatever your target weight is, you wanna consume the same amount of grams of protein. So, a target weight of 125 will call for 125g of protein. And if it goes over, it's cool, b/c protein helps add lean muscle which constantly burns fat. Hope this helps. Good luck!!
  • will4change
    will4change Posts: 87
    May I just say? I wish I did that!! I am always above my Carbs and very low onmy protein. What can I eat that would help me stay away from eating so many carbs. All my life i knew to eat was carbs.
    Please I would welcome any ideas from all of you !!
  • fortiter00
    fortiter00 Posts: 47 Member
    Totally agree with the earlier comments regarding going over on protein. Definitely a good idea to change your ratios, if having the breakdown visible helps. I changed mine a couple months ago, when I figured out how and it has helped.

    On the issue of what to eat to get the protein, I eat a lot of boneless skinless chicken breast in various ways (ie salads, with salsa over brown rice, with a masala sauce, mixed up with veggies). Turkey burgers seem to have quite a bit of protein and are quick and easy to eat on the run. When I was first trying to figure out what to eat, I eat a lot of eggs (hardboiled no yoke). For snacks, I find that a Sargento Low moisture reduced fat string cheese helps to bring my protein count up for the day without adding a ton of cals.

    Best of luck.
  • missykaye1975
    missykaye1975 Posts: 95
    The rule of thumb for protein is, whatever your target weight is, you wanna consume the same amount of grams of protein. So, a target weight of 125 will call for 125g of protein. And if it goes over, it's cool, b/c protein helps add lean muscle which constantly burns fat. Hope this helps. Good luck!!

    ^^^^^^^^Yes, this is what I do. I set my own ratios for macronutrients--40% carbs, 30% protein, 30% fats (good kinds). I'm trying to build muscle mass for the reason he mentioned, so I consume 130 grams protein every day.
  • EdibleEm
    EdibleEm Posts: 10
    Thanks to all of you for responding!

    I seem to be consuming a lot of fish- tuna, salmon, etc. I do also eat eggs but not that often. The other night I made a lentil and rice dish and ate a chicken breast with it. With both the lentils and the chicken I was over on the protein for sure that day! It is good to know that going over in that department is the lesser of all the evils hehe and I will look at maybe adjusting the ratios. I am excercising so this is good news, I am doing aquafit 2x a week and hatha yoga 1x a week and low impact aerobics or a big hike 1x a week. I am learning a lot and I really appreciate all the feedback :)
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