What is bad with too much protein?

Serenifly
Serenifly Posts: 669 Member
edited September 20 in Food and Nutrition
I"ve only entered my Breakfast (three hard boiled eggs) and lunch (Tuna sandwchich) and I only have 9 grams of protien left for the day ... thing is I have softball afterwork, which means no dinner, I only have time to grab a smoothy (protein smoothy from Booster Juice) which has god knows how much ...

Is there something bad with too much protein ?
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Replies

  • Crysta1976
    Crysta1976 Posts: 184 Member
    Was wondering the same thing...
  • sjcply
    sjcply Posts: 817 Member
    Protein is good. I eat 120-150 grams everyday! MFP is way low in my opinion but everyone is different. I go over everday. If you are playing softball you really need more protein, but be sure and drinks lots of water!
  • LongMom
    LongMom Posts: 408 Member
    It's just a guideline to demonstrate how a balanced day would work. There is nothing "wrong" with going over in protein - especially if you're under on carbs the same day :)

    It's daunting seeing the RED numbers, I know. I see red in my protein and fibre columns quite often.
  • redbedhead
    redbedhead Posts: 53
    Long term High protein diets can cause kidney problems, but it is fine to go over every once in a while.
  • aippolito1
    aippolito1 Posts: 4,894 Member
    You should get no more than 30% of your diet from protein - CONSISTENTLY. Going over on your protein every now and then is okay. Constantly going over for months at a time can cause kidney problems. Otherwise, you should be fine. If you only have 9g left, go into your goals and make sure your diet is as follows: carbs 55%, protein 30%, fat 20%, fiber 25g, sodium 2400mg.
  • SayRah
    SayRah Posts: 104
    If you eat too much and you don't spend the energy you get from the excess protein, it can be converted to fat.
  • aippolito1
    aippolito1 Posts: 4,894 Member
    Oh, sorry, 50,30,20.
  • BADGIRLstl
    BADGIRLstl Posts: 473 Member
    You should get no more than 30% of your diet from protein - CONSISTENTLY. Going over on your protein every now and then is okay. Constantly going over for months at a time can cause kidney problems. Otherwise, you should be fine. If you only have 9g left, go into your goals and make sure your diet is as follows: carbs 55%, protein 30%, fat 20%, fiber 25g, sodium 2400mg.
    Not to sound dumb, but how do you do this....my carbs, protein, and fat isn't set up as percentages......thanks!
  • edmanski
    edmanski Posts: 8
    Set up a zone around your target amount that is +/- 10%. Focus on your weekly/monthly average.

    Protein is the most difficult nutrient for the body to convert and therefore can stress the digestive system, especially the liver and kidneys, when digested in high dose.

    Yet your case suggests all is good. Your only marginally off your target which is fine. It's only when you are on an all protein diet that there should be concern.

    And yes! Plenty of water all day long!

    e
  • lilchino4af
    lilchino4af Posts: 1,292 Member
    You should get no more than 30% of your diet from protein - CONSISTENTLY. Going over on your protein every now and then is okay. Constantly going over for months at a time can cause kidney problems. Otherwise, you should be fine. If you only have 9g left, go into your goals and make sure your diet is as follows: carbs 55%, protein 30%, fat 20%, fiber 25g, sodium 2400mg.
    Not to sound dumb, but how do you do this....my carbs, protein, and fat isn't set up as percentages......thanks!
    You can set your % in My Home, Goals, Change Goals, Custom. The default is something like 65/20/15. I changed mine to 55/25/20. Once you adjust those % the numbers you're allowed will change in your food diary.
  • LittleSpy
    LittleSpy Posts: 6,754 Member
    You should get no more than 30% of your diet from protein - CONSISTENTLY. Going over on your protein every now and then is okay. Constantly going over for months at a time can cause kidney problems. Otherwise, you should be fine. If you only have 9g left, go into your goals and make sure your diet is as follows: carbs 55%, protein 30%, fat 20%, fiber 25g, sodium 2400mg.
    Not to sound dumb, but how do you do this....my carbs, protein, and fat isn't set up as percentages......thanks!

    Go to "My Home" then "Goals" then "Change Goals" then "Custom" & then you can drop downt the boxes and change your percentages.

    I eat around 2x more protein than MFP originally gives you. My percentages are 45% carbs, 30% protein, and 25% fat. This is the combo that makes me feel the best. If you play around with it, you'll find what works best for you. :wink:
  • Serenifly
    Serenifly Posts: 669 Member
    Wow thanks everyone for the speedy responses! ... I Run in the mornings 3 days a week, so after those runs, hard boiled eggs are the easiest to make (while I shower) Mostly how I go over my daily allowance...

    Thanks all for your replies! :D
  • edmanski
    edmanski Posts: 8
    Go to:

    MY HOME
    Goals
    Change Goals
    Custom Setting

    Here you can set your Carbs, Fat and Protein in percentages of your total caloretic intake.

    Mine is 55C/25F/20P.

    This works for me as I'm in a reduction phase on the fat. I was really into burgers and fries and ice cream so instead of doing a drastic dump, I'm walking it down. I'll probably stop at 20% fat for it works well into my situation, especially with exercise.
  • July24Lioness
    July24Lioness Posts: 2,399 Member
    Long term High protein diets can cause kidney problems, but it is fine to go over every once in a while.

    I have been on a mostly high protein way of eating for 7 years now and my kidneys work just fine.
  • July24Lioness
    July24Lioness Posts: 2,399 Member
    You should get no more than 30% of your diet from protein - CONSISTENTLY. Going over on your protein every now and then is okay. Constantly going over for months at a time can cause kidney problems. Otherwise, you should be fine. If you only have 9g left, go into your goals and make sure your diet is as follows: carbs 55%, protein 30%, fat 20%, fiber 25g, sodium 2400mg.


    Ha ha.. I have to laugh. According to you guys, I should be dead by now..............

    I have been eating 50% fat, 40 % protein and 10% carbs for the better part of 7 years and when I eat this way I am healthier than I ever been.
  • ChavezCurse
    ChavezCurse Posts: 29
    "The recommendation for protein for a healthy male or female is .08 g per kilogram of BW. A person who weighs 150 lbs needs about 54 g of protein. (Take your weight in pounds and divide by 2.2 and then multiply by 0.8 to get yours)."

    http://rojofitness.blogspot.com/2010/02/supplements-should-i-take-some.html
  • LittleSpy
    LittleSpy Posts: 6,754 Member
    "The recommendation for protein for a healthy male or female is .08 g per kilogram of BW. A person who weighs 150 lbs needs about 54 g of protein. (Take your weight in pounds and divide by 2.2 and then multiply by 0.8 to get yours)."

    http://rojofitness.blogspot.com/2010/02/supplements-should-i-take-some.html

    I just wanted to note I believe this would be the MINIMUM recommended protein intake to maintain your body comp. Also important to note that you have linked and cited a *blog.* Know what I can say on a blog? Yeah, anything I want. :laugh: Blogs aren't exactly the most reliable source of information, especially nutritional information. :wink: If you read further on one of the articles that blog you referenced cites, you'll see this: "When training, you need about a half gram of protein per pound of body weight. So a 180-pound male needs about 90 grams of protein a day." And this, "The average non-exercising adult only needs about 60 grams a day" (Note NON-EXERCISING). Yet, I'm not convinced even THAT article is a reliable source so take it for what it's worth.

    http://www.livescience.com/health/protein-supplements-100202.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+Livesciencecom+(LiveScience.com+Science+Headline+Feed)
  • July24Lioness
    July24Lioness Posts: 2,399 Member
    "The recommendation for protein for a healthy male or female is .08 g per kilogram of BW. A person who weighs 150 lbs needs about 54 g of protein. (Take your weight in pounds and divide by 2.2 and then multiply by 0.8 to get yours)."

    http://rojofitness.blogspot.com/2010/02/supplements-should-i-take-some.html

    I just wanted to note I believe this would be the MINIMUM recommended protein intake to maintain your body comp. Also important to note that you have linked and cited a *blog.* Know what I can say on a blog? Yeah, anything I want. :laugh: Blogs aren't exactly the most reliable source of information, especially nutritional information. :wink: If you read further on one of the articles that blog you referenced cites, you'll see this: "When training, you need about a half gram of protein per pound of body weight. So a 180-pound male needs about 90 grams of protein a day." And this, "The average non-exercising adult only needs about 60 grams a day" (Note NON-EXERCISING). Yet, I'm not convinced even THAT article is a reliable source so take it for what it's worth.

    http://www.livescience.com/health/protein-supplements-100202.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+Livesciencecom+(LiveScience.com+Science+Headline+Feed)

    Yes, I believe that is really low.
  • Barneystinson
    Barneystinson Posts: 1,357 Member
    It's usually .75-1.2x your body weight.

    And seriously, if 30% or more calories from protein is deadly, then count me on the "should be dead" club also as I've been eating this way since 2005.

    I started following advice on bodybuilding forums and went from there...if you lift or take part in regular fitness, you need sufficient protein. It also contributes to the satiety of what we eat.
  • hiddensecant
    hiddensecant Posts: 2,446 Member
    I'd be dead or sick too if 30% was the upper limit for protein.

    The default protein given on MFP is low for active adults.
  • sjcply
    sjcply Posts: 817 Member
    I agree, I have been on high protein for 3 yrs now and I am in better health than I have ever been. I think the concern with high protein is IF you have underlying kidney/liver problems then dont consume high levels. Also for ppl who dont work out hard everyday, it may be too much. But if you are a healthy adult that works out hard, it is fine.

    The point is find what works for you and do it! All of our bodies respond to different methods! Everyone is just throwing around ideas of what works for them.
  • circusmom
    circusmom Posts: 662 Member
    Does it matter if the protien is meat, dairy, or plant based, or does your body process all protien the same?
  • PurplePumpkin
    PurplePumpkin Posts: 10
    I agree, people seem to be scaremongering, in the 3 years it took for me to get my nutrition degree, I don't recall any of the professional lectures saying that more than a 30% calorie intake from protein will kill you!!!

    I have mine so that most of my calories coming from fat and protein because I lost a lot of weight by reducing carbs and i want my diet to stay this way.
    Weight loss was was because high protein and fat diets are mainly low GI which means food take much longer to digest and leave you with a more satisfied feeling after eating them, hence no naughty snacking later in the day!!!

    Also though, one thing that is important is the quality of protein, fresh unprocess thing, such as eggs, are much better than say a steak, or a supermarket nurger, as these contain much more fat, than say a turkey breast.
    Say if all your protein is from red meat, then this could cause harm in the body, but if 85% if from turkey then you'll be much safer.

    But as alway varying your protien is important.
  • July24Lioness
    July24Lioness Posts: 2,399 Member
    I am not trying to convince anyone to switch the way they eat or anything, just stating how I eat and how good I feel.............

    My eating plan consists of primarily saturated fats (natural animal fats and lots of coconut oil) and protein. 10% of my eating comes from carbs and those carbs consist of dark, green leafy veggies.

    I feel satisfied, stay full and this allows my blood sugar to stay in control and in check. In return, my body has energy, I am shedding pounds and I require much less sleep than before.

    I am satisfied and my doctor is satisfied with my progress.
  • Soon2beskinny73
    Soon2beskinny73 Posts: 255 Member
    I am not trying to convince anyone to switch the way they eat or anything, just stating how I eat and how good I feel.............

    My eating plan consists of primarily saturated fats (natural animal fats and lots of coconut oil) and protein. 10% of my eating comes from carbs and those carbs consist of dark, green leafy veggies.

    I feel satisfied, stay full and this allows my blood sugar to stay in control and in check. In return, my body has energy, I am shedding pounds and I require much less sleep than before.

    I am satisfied and my doctor is satisfied with my progress.

    I totally agree with you :) Since being on the Atkins plan I have seen a MAJOR difference in the way I feel. I eat around the same as you do and the benefits I have seen in my body in just 20 weeks is .........
    * I sleep better and feel very refreshed upon wake up ( no more dragging myself out of bed)
    * My joints do not hurt like they used too (and I was having some major joint issues)
    * I have TONS of energy
    * I am dropping weight ( whereas before I could hardly drop a half a pound with all the carbs I was consuming)
    * My hair, skin and nails have done a 100 percent turn around (before I had VERY dry skin and hair and I could NOT grow nails but now after 20 weeks I have shiny hair , clear skin that is no longer dried out and my nails have grown out and are beautiful)

    Just soooooooo MANY benefits I have seen in a mere 20 weeks makes me a believer that I am doing my body good :) I will NEVER go back to my old way of eating again!!

    The one thing my doctor and nutritionist has told me to do on this type of plan is to drink LOTS of water so I make sure I get in at least 100 oz. of water daily and no less than 80 oz. daily. My doctor and nutritionist are happy with the results I am getting and I am too :)
  • July24Lioness
    July24Lioness Posts: 2,399 Member
    I am not trying to convince anyone to switch the way they eat or anything, just stating how I eat and how good I feel.............

    My eating plan consists of primarily saturated fats (natural animal fats and lots of coconut oil) and protein. 10% of my eating comes from carbs and those carbs consist of dark, green leafy veggies.

    I feel satisfied, stay full and this allows my blood sugar to stay in control and in check. In return, my body has energy, I am shedding pounds and I require much less sleep than before.

    I am satisfied and my doctor is satisfied with my progress.

    I totally agree with you :) Since being on the Atkins plan I have seen a MAJOR difference in the way I feel. I eat around the same as you do and the benefits I have seen in my body in just 20 weeks is .........
    * I sleep better and feel very refreshed upon wake up ( no more dragging myself out of bed)
    * My joints do not hurt like they used too (and I was having some major joint issues)
    * I have TONS of energy
    * I am dropping weight ( whereas before I could hardly drop a half a pound with all the carbs I was consuming)
    * My hair, skin and nails have done a 100 percent turn around (before I had VERY dry skin and hair and I could NOT grow nails but now after 20 weeks I have shiny hair , clear skin that is no longer dried out and my nails have grown out and are beautiful)

    Just soooooooo MANY benefits I have seen in a mere 20 weeks makes me a believer that I am doing my body good :) I will NEVER go back to my old way of eating again!!

    The one thing my doctor and nutritionist has told me to do on this type of plan is to drink LOTS of water so I make sure I get in at least 100 oz. of water daily and no less than 80 oz. daily. My doctor and nutritionist are happy with the results I am getting and I am too :)

    Fantastic!!! I love to hear this. I have been missing you on the Low Carb forum!!!
  • PurplePumpkin
    PurplePumpkin Posts: 10
    Atkins is good, don't get me wrong, thats how I lost my weight.
    But how is your doctor and nutritionist happy that your diet is mainly saturated fat?

    Is true that you need everything in moderation, but I would have thought they would be concerned that your diet is high is saturated fats? I am!! ??
  • July24Lioness
    July24Lioness Posts: 2,399 Member
    Atkins is good, don't get me wrong, thats how I lost my weight.
    But how is your doctor and nutritionist happy that your diet is mainly saturated fat?

    Is true that you need everything in moderation, but I would have thought they would be concerned that your diet is high is saturated fats? I am!! ??

    Saturated fats are not bad for you, actually any fat that is made in nature is good for you. Since I have switched to a high saturated fats and got rid of all PUFA's (aka vegetable oils) - my cholesterol has went way down, triglyercides are in order and all of my other blood work is perfect.

    I am on my way to reversing the Type 2 diabetes with the way I eat.
  • PurplePumpkin
    PurplePumpkin Posts: 10
    Cool! :)
  • MacguyverMommy
    MacguyverMommy Posts: 104 Member
    Atkins is good, don't get me wrong, thats how I lost my weight.
    But how is your doctor and nutritionist happy that your diet is mainly saturated fat?

    Is true that you need everything in moderation, but I would have thought they would be concerned that your diet is high is saturated fats? I am!! ??

    Saturated fats are not bad for you, actually any fat that is made in nature is good for you. Since I have switched to a high saturated fats and got rid of all PUFA's (aka vegetable oils) - my cholesterol has went way down, triglyercides are in order and all of my other blood work is perfect.

    I am on my way to reversing the Type 2 diabetes with the way I eat.



    Saturated fats ARE EXTREMELY BAD FOR YOU, in particular the ones that come from animal protein. :grumble: MONO and EFA's are OK though.
    When one is obese though, a quick way to jumpstart weight loss is via "atkins" method. South Beach is healthier for just" over weight" people, and much more sustainable as a lifestyle.
    High protein diets that do not incorporate veggies and fruits can cause people to have too much sodium intake, high cholesterol and triglycerides and also not enough fiber or minerals.

    I have tried every diet out there: Atkins made me lose weight, have horrible breath and be miserable at parties (no cake) until I discovered the land of fake/processed sugar free stuff... which gave me horrendous cramps and gas.

    When my mom was pregnant (5'5 ~125lbs before pregnant), the doctor advised her to eat "more protein" while pregnant, but not more "food" to prevent gaining too much pregnancy weight. This was 1981 and he suggested 80-90 grams of protein... even while pregnant! SO--- WE REALLY DONT NEED that much, but I suppose its OK to have extra here and there while dieting, as long as its low fat.

    Currently, mom lives a variation of "atkins" but not being in ketosis for more than 3 days at a time. She loved eating 'high protein' so much that it stuck with her. She eats fruit only in the am and also will have pasta every once in awhile (were Italian). She loves her red meat and I have finally gotten her to eat egg whites, low fat mozarella and spinach for breakfast as opposed to regular eggs with cheddar cheese. Small adjustments like that work on atkins, which help you to get all the nutrients and folage we need.

    I am a vegetarian and somehow end up eating between 60-80 grams of protein a day.... FLESH FREE. go figure! :blushing:
    Eat veggies and eat fruits.... ALWAYS! :flowerforyou:
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