Eating Enough Protein

Using My TDEE and my body weight, I am suppose to have 186 grams of protein per day. Does anyone know how you actually accomplish something like this? It just seems absolutely outrageous that if I don't want to burn muscle by exercising that I should be eating a 186 g of protein (that's 8 of my protein shakes a day).

Help!
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Replies

  • cmstirp
    cmstirp Posts: 51 Member
    How did you figure your protein intake? Your best bet is to do 1g/kg body weight. I looked at your diary, and if your sticking with the 1780 calories, 186g of protein is high. You only need 15-30% of your kcals to come from protein.
  • This TDEE calculator is telling me to eat 1g/lb of body weight, which is 186.2 g of protein per day. Will 15-30% prevent muscle catabolization? I don't want to go through the process of losing weight to lose muscle since I can't lift weights until February. Don't get me wrong, I am not super muscular or anything but I don't want to be burning muscle instead of fat.
  • Stage14
    Stage14 Posts: 1,046 Member
    This TDEE calculator is telling me to eat 1g/lb of body weight, which is 186.2 g of protein per day. Will 15-30% prevent muscle catabolization? I don't want to go through the process of losing weight to lose muscle since I can't lift weights until February. Don't get me wrong, I am not super muscular or anything but I don't want to be burning muscle instead of fat.

    The most common recommendations are 1g per kg of body weight or 1g per pound of LBM. Unless you're a super serious weight trainer and actively trying to put on muscle, there is probably no need to eat 1g per lb of total body weight in protein. Your body can only actually use so much of it, and the rest is wasted anyway. Plus, studies have shown that eating more than 35% of your calories as protein is where you can start to risk too much protein.

    And honestly, what keeps you from losing muscle is USING muscle, so you can eat all the protein you want, but if you aren't planning to start strength training until February, you'll still lose muscle as you lose weight.
  • _TastySnoBalls_
    _TastySnoBalls_ Posts: 1,298 Member
    This TDEE calculator is telling me to eat 1g/lb of body weight, which is 186.2 g of protein per day. Will 15-30% prevent muscle catabolization? I don't want to go through the process of losing weight to lose muscle since I can't lift weights until February. Don't get me wrong, I am not super muscular or anything but I don't want to be burning muscle instead of fat.

    Use 1 g per pound of lean body mass. You need to know your body fat% for this.
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    This TDEE calculator is telling me to eat 1g/lb of body weight, which is 186.2 g of protein per day. Will 15-30% prevent muscle catabolization? I don't want to go through the process of losing weight to lose muscle since I can't lift weights until February. Don't get me wrong, I am not super muscular or anything but I don't want to be burning muscle instead of fat.

    If you re not lifting, you will not need quite so much. If you are not lifting however and are worried about muscle loss, I would not be at a deficit in the first place. Try to get some kind of resistance training in.

    That being said, I get over 165g a day.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/926789-protein-sources
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,294 Member
    I think the 1 gram per lb of LBM if you are lifting and in a deficit should be achieved, in a surplus you wouldn't need quite as much.
    I will point out that you should be in a well structured strength training routine that challenges your muscles, and your deficit should not be too large, the smaller your deficit the less muscle you will lose as a % of your weight loss. So I suggest setting your weight loss goal to 0.5lbs/week and to eat back the cals burned from exercise, or most of them anyway. If you are using the TDEE method exercise cals are included, and I would suggest eating at TDEE-10 to 15% not the 20% that most sites recommend.
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    Eat lots of meat. Check my diary if you're wondering how it can be done. I regularly get 200g a day with no shakes. Make protein sources the main focus of your meals and you will have no problem.
  • arabianhorselover
    arabianhorselover Posts: 1,488 Member
    Just wondering if you like beer?

    Eat lots of meat. Check my diary if you're wondering how it can be done. I regularly get 200g a day with no shakes. Make protein sources the main focus of your meals and you will have no problem.
  • bluemaine1212
    bluemaine1212 Posts: 19 Member
    I get my protein mainly from eggs, cottage cheese, poultry, lean red meat and fish. I also drink protein shakes and eat Quest bars. I've read you should eat 1 - 1.5 g of protein per pound of lean body mass (if you know it), and I've also read 1 g of protein for what your goal weight is if you are overweight. I don't know if its a coincidence or not, but figured either of these two ways, my protein intake is about the same.
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    Just wondering if you like beer?

    Eat lots of meat. Check my diary if you're wondering how it can be done. I regularly get 200g a day with no shakes. Make protein sources the main focus of your meals and you will have no problem.

    I've been known to dabble in fine brews from time to time.
  • RllyGudTweetr
    RllyGudTweetr Posts: 2,019 Member
    Eat lots of meat. Check my diary if you're wondering how it can be done. I regularly get 200g a day with no shakes. Make protein sources the main focus of your meals and you will have no problem.
    What would you suggest for those folks on a budget that makes large amounts of meat cost-prohibitive, or who have ethical qualms (which I'm loathe to debate) about eating animal flesh?
  • kimosabe1
    kimosabe1 Posts: 2,467 Member
    I have a problem getting protein myself so eat a tablespoon of peanut butter or eat a hard boiled egg at breakfast every morning........
  • cmstirp
    cmstirp Posts: 51 Member
    This TDEE calculator is telling me to eat 1g/lb of body weight, which is 186.2 g of protein per day. Will 15-30% prevent muscle catabolization? I don't want to go through the process of losing weight to lose muscle since I can't lift weights until February. Don't get me wrong, I am not super muscular or anything but I don't want to be burning muscle instead of fat.

    Stick with 1g/kg body weight. You don't need any more protein than that unless you're a serious body builder. As someone else said, eating a lot of protein won't save much lean body mass if you're also not doing any resistance training while losing weight.
  • jenna762001
    jenna762001 Posts: 27 Member
    It can be done. I guess your daily calories goals can make a difference. Hard to get 186 grams of protein plus balance on only 1200 calories. :)
    I eat anywhere from 1600 to 2000 calories a day (gross, not net) and manage from 100-150 grams of protein. I only take one scoop of whey immediately after CrossFit a few days a week, all other protein comes from food sources and that should be the goal. Suppliments are just that... suppliments. My protein comes from eggs/ egg whites, chicken, non fat Greek yogurt, skim milk, cottage cheese and extra lean cuts of beef plus the protein found in the vegetables I eat and a bit in grains too. It definitely requires some discipline to get your macros lined up right. Ive done it enough now that its not too much trouble, but in the beginning it can take a bit of planning. To get my protein that high, I shoot for 50-55% carbs, 25-30% protein, and 15-20% fat. Example: today I had 294 grams carbs, 153 protein and 42 fat. That put my macros right in check at 54%, 28%, and 18%. This was with 2075 calories. As long as you make the calories count, it works. :)
  • kcritter77
    kcritter77 Posts: 162 Member
    1 gram per pound of "lean body mass". Not total body weight. For example, if you weigh 186 and are at 25% body fat, you would eat 140 grams of protein. If you eat meat, lean meat will give you more protein bang for your calorie buck.
  • Carnivor0us
    Carnivor0us Posts: 1,752 Member
    Eat lots of meat. Check my diary if you're wondering how it can be done. I regularly get 200g a day with no shakes. Make protein sources the main focus of your meals and you will have no problem.
    What would you suggest for those folks on a budget that makes large amounts of meat cost-prohibitive, or who have ethical qualms (which I'm loathe to debate) about eating animal flesh?

    Eggs
  • padams2359
    padams2359 Posts: 1,093 Member
    Just changed to 35% protein yesterday. Don't get me wrong, I love meat, but not that much of it. It was harder than when I was on 1460 a day to lose weight. Ate egg whites for breakfast. I made hummus for later. Not will to eat a 300 cal bar when now on 1960 cals a day until I get a good workout routine. Post workout protein shake I got is pretty low in cals, 124 for 23g of protein, and taste pretty good.

    Need to start getting my Fish back on the screen before he completely disappears, but for the right reasons, and 22.3% body fat sure as hell isn't it. Lol
  • TrainingWithTonya
    TrainingWithTonya Posts: 1,741 Member
    Here are a couple of blog posts I did a while back that cover determining TDEE and macro percentages. I think you have it set wrong, so do this math and see how much you really need.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/TrainingWithTonya/view/bmr-rmr-eer-and-tdee-formulas-262109

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/TrainingWithTonya/view/setting-macros-270342
  • JulesAlloggio
    JulesAlloggio Posts: 480 Member
    You can always aim for .08 to 1g/per pound. Your daily intake should be between 20-30% of your daily calories.

    I would lower that if you think its too high.

    Just my opinion =)
  • tibby531
    tibby531 Posts: 717 Member
    I eat cheese, nuts, meat/jerky/fish, eggs, GREEK YOGURT has a LOT of protein, and LOTS of fresh, crispy veggies. it adds up throughout the day. :)
  • RllyGudTweetr
    RllyGudTweetr Posts: 2,019 Member
    Eat lots of meat. Check my diary if you're wondering how it can be done. I regularly get 200g a day with no shakes. Make protein sources the main focus of your meals and you will have no problem.
    What would you suggest for those folks on a budget that makes large amounts of meat cost-prohibitive, or who have ethical qualms (which I'm loathe to debate) about eating animal flesh?

    Eggs
    And for vegans, or those who have egg allergies?
  • Docpremie
    Docpremie Posts: 228 Member
    Here's one of my typical breakfasts. It goes a long way toward meeting my 140 grams protein goal/day & tastes amazing!

    Land O'lakes - Fat Free Half N Half, 2 tbsp (30 ml)
    Tea - Brewed, prepared with tap water (black tea), 1 cup (8 fl oz)
    Gourmet Nut - Dry Roasted Edamame, 1 oz (30g)
    Kashi - Go Lean Crunch - Honey Almond Flax, 0.5 cup (28 g)
    Chobani - O% Fat Free Greek Yogurt , 6 oz
    Syntrax Nectar - Whey Protein Isolate Fruit Juice Flavor - Caribbean Cooler, 2 scoops (56 g)
    Dole - Pineapple, Fresh, 2 oz.

    Calories 580 / Fat 6 grams / Carbs 46 grams / Protein 86 grams / Fiber 13 grams

    I find if I can get in a good amount of protein at breakfast, the rest of the day is much easier, since my protein goal doesn't seem insurmountable. And the recommendation for protein is 1 gram/pound LEAN BODY MASS.

    Other great protein choices include: chicken, turkey, steak (sirloin or filet), fish, roasted edamame (1 oz + 14 grams protein), protein bars (I love Quest), cheese (light string cheese = 5 grams/stick), greek yogurt. When I have a salad for lunch, I include 4-6 oz chicken, 1 oz fat free feta cheese & 1 oz roasted edamame--that's an easy 40 grams protein in one meal!
  • sydneyplainjane
    sydneyplainjane Posts: 140 Member
    This thread is really helpful! I'd always heard/read that it was 1g of protein per pound, but if it's per LBM, that sounds more reasonable for me - so, I should be getting about 100g's per day, which is more doable.
  • JulesAlloggio
    JulesAlloggio Posts: 480 Member
    Ive actually read that if you use 1g/per pound of GOAL weight in protein, that seems to help as well.

    Just what Ive read... not saying it works or if it doesn't
  • retirehappy
    retirehappy Posts: 3,780 Member
    Eat lots of meat. Check my diary if you're wondering how it can be done. I regularly get 200g a day with no shakes. Make protein sources the main focus of your meals and you will have no problem.
    What would you suggest for those folks on a budget that makes large amounts of meat cost-prohibitive, or who have ethical qualms (which I'm loathe to debate) about eating animal flesh?

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/926789-protein-sources
    Read this, includes vegan alternatives. It is hard to get in a lot of protein on a vegan diet, but you should be going for .8 to 1g per 1lb of LBM not your current weight. As some one else mentioned you can use your goal weight, it should be pretty similar to the LBM.

    Use PB2 instead of peanut butter to up protein without as many cals. It is dried powder without all the added fat. 2 TB=5 g protein can be added to smoothies and lots of other things as well.
  • DatMurse
    DatMurse Posts: 1,501 Member
    This TDEE calculator is telling me to eat 1g/lb of body weight, which is 186.2 g of protein per day. Will 15-30% prevent muscle catabolization? I don't want to go through the process of losing weight to lose muscle since I can't lift weights until February. Don't get me wrong, I am not super muscular or anything but I don't want to be burning muscle instead of fat.

    If you re not lifting, you will not need quite so much. If you are not lifting however and are worried about muscle loss, I would not be at a deficit in the first place. Try to get some kind of resistance training in.

    That being said, I get over 165g a day.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/926789-protein-sources
    If you arent lifting.. wouldnt you need more to prevent muscle loss? your body has no reason to keep the muscle you do have?
  • DatMurse
    DatMurse Posts: 1,501 Member
    that is far from accurate.


    .82 x current body weight is fine
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    This TDEE calculator is telling me to eat 1g/lb of body weight, which is 186.2 g of protein per day. Will 15-30% prevent muscle catabolization? I don't want to go through the process of losing weight to lose muscle since I can't lift weights until February. Don't get me wrong, I am not super muscular or anything but I don't want to be burning muscle instead of fat.

    If you re not lifting, you will not need quite so much. If you are not lifting however and are worried about muscle loss, I would not be at a deficit in the first place. Try to get some kind of resistance training in.

    That being said, I get over 165g a day.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/926789-protein-sources
    If you arent lifting.. wouldnt you need more to prevent muscle loss? your body has no reason to keep the muscle you do have?

    Activity increases your need. No activity = less protein required.
  • Carnivor0us
    Carnivor0us Posts: 1,752 Member
    Eat lots of meat. Check my diary if you're wondering how it can be done. I regularly get 200g a day with no shakes. Make protein sources the main focus of your meals and you will have no problem.
    What would you suggest for those folks on a budget that makes large amounts of meat cost-prohibitive, or who have ethical qualms (which I'm loathe to debate) about eating animal flesh?

    Eggs
    And for vegans, or those who have egg allergies?

    Dairy for those who have egg allergies, and whatever it is vegans eat for vegans. If you're vegan then you need to do more research on this.

    Chia seeds, perhaps. Good source of protein.