New...and worried!

lukeff
lukeff Posts: 6
in Introduce Yourself
Hi! I'm new to MFP and am trying to cut. I started my diet and training plan yesterday and I'm excited to see results.

My daily targets are as follows:

Fat = 36g
Carbs = 180g
Protein = 216g

Yesterday I had 619 calories to go at the end of the day but I'd almost met my Fat and Carb limits but was about 142g short on Protein. I'd even had 2 protein shakes. Damn, this is going to be expensive!

I'm worried I;m not going to be able to meet my daily calorie limit and my protein target, I don;t want to spend a fortune each week. Looking forward to reading the forums for tips though.

P.S. I'm not adding excercise to MFP as I don't want to be told I can eat more cals. Does anyone else just use it as a meal diary/tracker?

Would be interested in any tips or meal suggestions.

Cheers

Luke - UK

Replies

  • CaptxFit
    CaptxFit Posts: 5 Member
    I went through the same thing last year when i started my first cut. I suggest you try adding more beef, chicken, or fish to your diet to hit your protein amount. Make sure you weigh everything out and have your food planned for the next day. If that is too much then just take an extra scoop of protein to your diet and if you want to save some money just buy the cheap protein shakes because at the end of the day protein is protein. You're just paying for the name brand and taste.

    Hope that helps!

    Dara - US
  • lukeff
    lukeff Posts: 6
    I'd also like to add that I'm following the Bigger Leaner Stronger cutting plan. I'm about 180lbs (need to weigh myself tonight), 5'8" and according to the book, my daily calorie intake to cut is 1,900. Different to the MFP given to me, but is 1,900 okay? I'm also following the weight and cadio plans in the book.
  • lukeff
    lukeff Posts: 6
    at the end of the day protein is protein. You're just paying for the name brand and taste.
    Good tip. Thanks, Dara!
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    why so much protein but so little fat?
  • Kauczuk
    Kauczuk Posts: 14 Member
    What about white cheese, tuna? You can mix a lot of great recipes full of proteins with low carbs.
    Don't cut fat that much... Natural fat from cheese is a good fuel when you excercise. You are cutting carbs so body needs to have something else. You cannot count that it will be burned from your fat. That would be too easy ;)

    Second thing... why you are not tracking burned calories? If you set up goal to loose weight on MFP you are already on negative balance, so if you workout you need to fill your body with energy. I have goal to be on average 500kcal per day lower than I need and need equals my need with target weight + workouts.
  • lukeff
    lukeff Posts: 6
    why so much protein but so little fat?
    I think it's because my BMI is too high. It was recommended that I have 0.2g of fat for every lb of body weight.
  • lukeff
    lukeff Posts: 6
    What about white cheese, tuna? You can mix a lot of great recipes full of proteins with low carbs.
    Don't cut fat that much... Natural fat from cheese is a good fuel when you excercise. You are cutting carbs so body needs to have something else. You cannot count that it will be burned from your fat. That would be too easy ;)

    Second thing... why you are not tracking burned calories? If you set up goal to loose weight on MFP you are already on negative balance, so if you workout you need to fill your body with energy. I have goal to be on average 500kcal per day lower than I need and need equals my need with target weight + workouts.
    I'll be adding tuna to my meals more often. Everything which seemingly has high protein is also expensive. I guess I need to get used to adjusting my spending.

    Hmm...good point. However I've always thought that cutting calories slightly is fine, but adding excercise is a bonus.
  • Kaelitr0n
    Kaelitr0n Posts: 151 Member
    Your fat goal is exceedingly low. If you follow this plan for long, I can see you having issues with your hair, nail, and skin health, among other things. The human body needs fat to operate. Eating fat does not make you fat, there is no need to be scared of it. Focus on eating healthy fats (unsaturated, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated) and limit your exposure to unhealthy fats (trans, saturated).

    Also, just another quick word of advice, your protein count is pretty high and that can be really hard on your kidneys. I'd check with a physician and ensure that your kidneys are in optimum health before subjecting them to that much protein.

    Good luck on your journey!
  • lukeff
    lukeff Posts: 6
    Your fat goal is exceedingly low. If you follow this plan for long, I can see you having issues with your hair, nail, and skin health, among other things. The human body needs fat to operate. Eating fat does not make you fat, there is no need to be scared of it. Focus on eating healthy fats (unsaturated, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated) and limit your exposure to unhealthy fats (trans, saturated).

    Also, just another quick word of advice, your protein count is pretty high and that can be really hard on your kidneys. I'd check with a physician and ensure that your kidneys are in optimum health before subjecting them to that much protein.

    Good luck on your journey!
    Thanks Kaelitr0n

    The fat goal is as per the 'Bigger Leaner Stronger' guidance which is based on my current weight. I'll be avoiding saturated fats so the 36g goal will mostly be natural. What do you think the goal should be?
  • djjd26
    djjd26 Posts: 12
    I really need to get better educated about what my consumption should be! smile:

Categories