Protein allowances - can you get too much?

lacismomma
lacismomma Posts: 17
in Food and Nutrition
Based on my planned meal for this evening, I expect to go over CONSIDERABLY on my protein "goal"---maybe by 40g. Is this too much, or is the idea we need to get "at least" the amount of the goal, and I should really just worry about getting my calories (and not going over), and keeping within my allowed fat/carbs amounts?

Replies

  • hdjjones
    hdjjones Posts: 130 Member
    It probably depends on the source of the protein. If it's a fatty steak you probably should watch it. I don't think going over on protein is a big problem, occasionally. Typical american diet is not enough vegies or fruit, too much grain/starch and too much protein. More important to watch the fat and calories I think.
  • wellbert
    wellbert Posts: 3,924 Member
    You shouldn't eat more than 300g of protein in a day, unless you're like, Andy Bolton.
  • crazyellybean
    crazyellybean Posts: 999 Member
    Please see the search bar at the top... there are a million posts about this...



    Also, you cannot eat too much protein... your body will process up to 30g per hour at which the rest is deposited.
  • Evey_bee
    Evey_bee Posts: 77 Member
    I would argue that it's not so much about getting "too much", I regularly go over my protein goal, but rather making sure you still get enough carbs/fats/vitamins to keep your diet in a good balance. If you're getting a high amount of protein and still hitting reasonable levels of everything else than that's great news as far as I'm concerned!

    I feel MFP sets fairly low protein goals, as I aim for roughly 30% protein and only hit that if I go over my goal.
  • kristenstejskal
    kristenstejskal Posts: 107 Member
    Unless you've already changed your macros, chances are MFP wayyyy underestimated your protein macro. If you're trying to build any sort of muscle, a good rule of thumb is 1g protein/lb lean body mass. You would have to eat a TON of protein before you're getting "too much". So, consider today a good day!
  • lacismomma
    lacismomma Posts: 17
    Thanks so much to all of you!
  • swolegirlcb
    swolegirlcb Posts: 67
    Based on my planned meal for this evening, I expect to go over CONSIDERABLY on my protein "goal"---maybe by 40g. Is this too much, or is the idea we need to get "at least" the amount of the goal, and I should really just worry about getting my calories (and not going over), and keeping within my allowed fat/carbs amounts?

    All excessive calories (fats,carbs, protein, or alcohol) can cause weight gain. Protein is not an exception. What is your current protein "goal" and what is your current calorie goal?
  • swolegirlcb
    swolegirlcb Posts: 67
    I recommend either a 20f/40c/40p split or (like I'm on) 30f/40c/30p split. MFP does way underestimate the protein you need whether you are trying to gain muscle or not.
  • ejbrin
    ejbrin Posts: 20
    Please read this article if you have any questions about protein. It's published by the CDC so you know it's legit. It also answers your question with no, but it depends on where you're getting your protein from. If all your protein is from animal sources, then you run the risk for heart disease.
    http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/basics/protein.html
  • swolegirlcb
    swolegirlcb Posts: 67
    Please read this article if you have any questions about protein. It's published by the CDC so you know it's legit. It also answers your question with no, but it depends on where you're getting your protein from. If all your protein is from animal sources, then you run the risk for heart disease.
    http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/basics/protein.html

    lol yea everything published by the CDC is legit.

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