How bad is it to go over on protein?

Howland72
Howland72 Posts: 16
in Food and Nutrition
I am sorry I keep asking all these questions but I don't know who else to turn too.... I can't seem to stay under my protein level, I am always going over is that really important? And if it is does anyone have any advice on what I can do to stay where I am suppose to be at? Thanks in Advance....

Replies

  • pattydi
    pattydi Posts: 55 Member
    I'm pretty sure that it's ok to go over on protien.... I do every day and don't worry too much... it's important to get extra protein when you are exercising, so I never stress about that or fiber.. I always go over on that too!!! I avoid sodium and sugars.and will never let myself go over on these. . and I've been able to lose 99 pounds since january this year...so I must be doing something right... ! best of luck to you... :)
  • Chief_Rocka
    Chief_Rocka Posts: 4,710 Member
    I think just about everyone should be shooting for at least double the MFP recommendations
  • mselpsycongroo
    mselpsycongroo Posts: 7
    I think just about everyone should be shooting for at least double the MFP recommendations
  • guardian419
    guardian419 Posts: 391 Member
    I'm really curious about this one as well... I weigh 245lbs and ate almost 300g yesterday.... not being a smartass. I have fully functional kidneys, and my liver only cries when it knows it's Friday night...
  • kassahunmarhatta
    kassahunmarhatta Posts: 3
    bump
  • Cr01502
    Cr01502 Posts: 3,614 Member
    It's not important. MFP sets it's protein low. You should aim for about 1g per pound of lean body mass. If you don't know your LBM then guesstimate by making it 1 g per pound of your ideal weight. You can change your settings in the goal menu.
  • love4fitnesslove4food_wechange
    love4fitnesslove4food_wechange Posts: 6,897 Member
    not bad at all. 1g of protein per pound of bodyweight is more than enough--just try to make sure you're getting adequate fiber and fruits/veggies in order to maintain regularity and get your micronutrients. Also--fat intake is critical for maintenance of hormonal of proper hormonal functioning.
  • cadonut
    cadonut Posts: 1
    According to my son ... Protein does not store fat... so its ok to go over alittle ... you just dont want to store any fats and sugars/carbs store fat. Did you know ..which I just learned today that on the setting you can watch your sugars ? so I plugged that on my list so I can watch my sugar in take too. Good luck !
  • ChitownFoodie
    ChitownFoodie Posts: 1,562 Member
    I aim for at least 1g of protein per pound. I usually get more like 130g-150g, which is closer to 1.3g-1.5g per pound.
  • skullshank
    skullshank Posts: 4,323 Member
    if it's the mfp default....go over....WAY over.
    i think my default started at like 40 or something....i shoot for ~200
  • Cr01502
    Cr01502 Posts: 3,614 Member
    According to my son ... Protein does not store fat... so its ok to go over alittle ... you just dont want to store any fats and sugars/carbs store fat. Did you know ..which I just learned today that on the setting you can watch your sugars ? so I plugged that on my list so I can watch my sugar in take too. Good luck !

    Protein can be stored as fat. It's just the least likely nutrient to do so. But if you're under your calorie limit it shouldn't matter regardless.
  • WhoTheHellIsBen
    WhoTheHellIsBen Posts: 1,238 Member
    god told me it is okay to go over your protein so you are all set
  • McBully4
    McBully4 Posts: 1,270 Member
    28869646.jpg
  • atxdee
    atxdee Posts: 613 Member
    I go over somtimes too
  • AliceKlaar
    AliceKlaar Posts: 275 Member
    I felt the default mfp macro spread didn't suit me so I reset mine to 40/30/30 carbs/protein/fat. It seems to be a fairly popular spread around here and I personally feel far more comfortable with it.
  • Game8
    Game8 Posts: 442
    If you're following the default recommended protein intake given by myfitnesspal, then I wouldn't worry much, especially if you're physically active. Just make sure you're not exceeding the calories overall. IMO, the protein percentage they choose is too low and many experts recommend much higher protein intake, again, especially if you're physically active.
  • Cliffslosinit
    Cliffslosinit Posts: 5,044 Member
    I think just about everyone should be shooting for at least double the MFP recommendations

    The force is strong in this one^^^^
    Listen to him.
  • coolraul07
    coolraul07 Posts: 1,606 Member
    I am sorry I keep asking all these questions but I don't know who else to turn too.... I can't seem to stay under my protein level, I am always going over is that really important? And if it is does anyone have any advice on what I can do to stay where I am suppose to be at? Thanks in Advance....

    Short answer: I always try to exceed the MFP's protein guidance.

    Additional info:
    I focus on the following 6:
    • Calories
    • Fat
    • Sodium
    • Protein
    • Potassium
    • Fiber
    The first 3 are ceilings and the last 3 are floors. That's worked for me, but YMMV. I often find that after dinner, I'm actually low on protein and fiber IF I've done a lot of cardio. I focus on natural food sources first but will use resort to powders/bars to get a last-minute boost to exceed my protein/fiber floors (also, V8 juice for my potassium floor).
  • JBWILLOW
    JBWILLOW Posts: 108 Member
    I always go over too =/ hope its ok
  • Raya1980
    Raya1980 Posts: 67
    28869646.jpg
    I can't stop laughing, someone is a redditor.
  • theologynerd
    theologynerd Posts: 264 Member
    Go WAY over on protein. Do some research on it to verify. From personal experience, I can tell you that I can lose weight fine without much protein, but could NEVER get any sort of toning in my muscles, much less definition. Now that I get lots of protein, I still lose weight just as easily, but lifting and working out actually makes a difference. I finally LOOK like I'm working out. It makes the difference between how I used to look before I gained and then lost (skinny fat), to now (fit). Seriously, read about protein and working out.
  • McBully4
    McBully4 Posts: 1,270 Member
    I can't stop laughing, someone is a redditor.

    guilty as charged
  • Howland72
    Howland72 Posts: 16
    That is amazing 99lbs. That is stories I like to hear cause then I know it is possible... There is times I wonder if I can do this but I try to push that out of my mind cause I know I can I just got to do it... This is all new to me and I want so badly to learn how to eat right and lose this weight. I am not asking to be skinny just smaller where I can enjoy life with my children...
  • Howland72
    Howland72 Posts: 16
    Wow I didn't know u can added yours sugar intake on here... Could you tell me how to do that...
  • californiagirl2012
    californiagirl2012 Posts: 2,625 Member
    I am sorry I keep asking all these questions but I don't know who else to turn too.... I can't seem to stay under my protein level, I am always going over is that really important? And if it is does anyone have any advice on what I can do to stay where I am suppose to be at? Thanks in Advance....

    I'm almost always over in protein. It doesn't matter. I finally changed my percentage in settings (goals). If you find your diet is different you can change it. It's only a problem if you don't get enough protein, or eat so much that you go over in calories.
  • barb1241
    barb1241 Posts: 324 Member
    I felt the default mfp macro spread didn't suit me so I reset mine to 40/30/30 carbs/protein/fat. It seems to be a fairly popular spread around here and I personally feel far more comfortable with it.

    Before I joined MFP, I "accidentally" ate this kind of spread...I was very aware of calories and getting the most food for the least calories and still being nutritious plus an occasional treat...and I losted 58 lbs over ~4-6 months doing that. Other than being FAT I am very healthy these days. Whole bloodwork thing came back "pristine" according to my dr. a couple of years ago. My kidneys still work fine and my liver seems to be doing the same.

    I was worried at first when I saw that I was like double the MFP goals, but then I did the percentages and found that once again my version of a healthy diet seems to be close to the 40-30-30. I have bone spurs on both heels. UGH! For me, when I eat at 30% +/- protein it seems to be a huge help and my feet don't hurt. I am not a gym kinda gal, but I walk and walk and hike and bicycle and do the WATP miles at home. Yesterday, I did a total of 10 1/2 miles (I am self-employed so I pretty much set my own schedule and I exercise as a break from work).

    As long as my body functions are working right and the dr. is happy with my progress (he is surprised because I am pretty much self motivated-guess he doesn't see to many folks who are serious about achieving a healthy lifestyle), and especially since my feet hardly hurt at all anymore, I plan to keep eating that 30% protein. It's working for me. Might be different for others. I think everyone has to find their own path and that many different options work fine...just gotta find the one that works right for your own body/situation.

    Barb

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