Too much protein???

ChubbyInHeels
ChubbyInHeels Posts: 24 Member
in Getting Started
So I have started (Day 2 ) on this journey and have been tracking all my food. I have no issues so far with keeping my caloric, fat, or carbs in check HOWEVER the protein is tooooo high. My question is if I am incorporating a grilled chicken breast, cottage cheese, and tuna into my day are those the WRONG choices? How much protein is too much? I would absolutely understand if it was fat or calories. Any help???

Also I have amaaaazing friends and family to support me but a nice MFP base might be helpful too so PLEASE feel free to add me.....Only 26 days left to FORM THIS HABIT :)

Replies

  • Luciu5
    Luciu5 Posts: 15
    There is no such thing as too much protein, as long as you are within your calorie goal.
  • alecno
    alecno Posts: 27 Member
    Yeah, don't be upset if you're a little bit in the red for protein. It's no big deal (unless you're talking like 300+ grams/day...). Just make sure the calories are appropriate for the day and all will be good.
  • QuietBloom
    QuietBloom Posts: 5,413 Member
    The MFP default setting is generally considered to be a minimum. I strive to get approximately 1g/lb of lean body mass a day, which puts me at just over 100g of protein/day.
  • madhatter2013
    madhatter2013 Posts: 1,547 Member
    How much protein is too much?

    No such thing...General rule of thumb, i think, is 1g of protein per your target lbs. So if you're trying to reach 150 lbs you'd take in 150g of protein a day. ANYBODY: Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.
  • JoshD8705
    JoshD8705 Posts: 390 Member
    Excess proteins typically just end up being poop. You're safe lol.
  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    The MFP default setting is generally considered to be a minimum. I strive to get approximately 1g/lb of lean body mass a day, which puts me at just over 100g of protein/day.

    ^This. MFP has their protein default set at the minimum recommended. Try to get in the red every day or reset your macros if you'd prefer not seeing the red numbers. I aim for 120 g per day.
  • lunapetu0311
    lunapetu0311 Posts: 96
    I go over my protein every day but I don't worry about it. I feel like the protein limit is low on here. Yes, just eating eggs for breakfast, turkey sandwich for lunch, snack on some greek yogurt, chicken dinner and I've gone over! I feel so much better when I eat higher protein so I'll keep at it.

    I think as long as you aren't doing ONLY protein and not balancing with enough cards it's okay. :)
  • lovevonmaur
    lovevonmaur Posts: 13
    I love eating protein as it keeps me full longer. My stomach is growling, I always know that I didn't eat enough protein.
  • ChubbyInHeels
    ChubbyInHeels Posts: 24 Member
    GREAT INFO!! THANKS EVERYONE!!:wink:
  • MadMac138
    MadMac138 Posts: 2
    I agree with the "there is no such thing as too much protein" comment. I also sent you a friend request as I need to add motivational friends to my list as well :)
  • StephyA86
    StephyA86 Posts: 68 Member
    I love eating protein as it keeps me full longer. My stomach is growling, I always know that I didn't eat enough protein.

    I agree with this too. I pair protein with every single meal and snack. That and healthy fats keep me satisfied and not "hangry" through out the day.
  • caitconquersweight
    caitconquersweight Posts: 316 Member
    I almost always go over with protein. The only thing I truly look at is carbs, I'm trying to stay under 200 a day. I regularly eat 90-110g of protein a day, and I feel MFP grossly underestimates the amount of protein people need.

    Protein isn't the enemy. As long as it comes from a good source, you'll be fine.
  • Julettashane
    Julettashane Posts: 723 Member
    How much protein is too much?

    No such thing...General rule of thumb, i think, is 1g of protein per your target lbs. So if you're trying to reach 150 lbs you'd take in 150g of protein a day. ANYBODY: Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.
    this
  • BillRicks1
    BillRicks1 Posts: 473 Member
    There is no such thing as too much protein, as long as you are within your calorie goal.

    I agree with this up to a point. There are many folks who can get into a gastric distress situation (upset stomach, bloating, etc.) from too much protein at one time. I would advise to ramp up protein slowly to avoid that uncomfortable feeling. I strive for between 25 and 30 grams of lean protein 5 or 6 times a day.
  • pfgaytriot
    pfgaytriot Posts: 238 Member
    If you have kidney issues, doctors usually recommend that you get no more than the daily recommended value; I believe it's 46-68g daily for women. Outside of that, you should be fine.
  • breyn2004
    breyn2004 Posts: 162 Member
    How high is too high? IMO, MFP sets the protein goal entirely too low. I, personally, aim for 150g/day.....as above posters said, 1g/pound of body weight on average. Protein is important.
  • rrsuthy
    rrsuthy Posts: 236 Member
    Taken from another poster in the Keto group:

    http://keto-calculator.ankerl.com/

    That will help you calculate your minimum protein.
  • wilsoje74
    wilsoje74 Posts: 1,720 Member
    How much are you eating?
  • perseverance14
    perseverance14 Posts: 1,364 Member
    Tom Ventuo says 1 gram per pound of body weight if you want to lose fat but keep muscle.

    I am a little under that so as I am increasing my calories (for my next level) by 100/day per week to find my spot, I am concentrating on protein. Protein is your friend if you like your muscles.
  • ChubbyInHeels
    ChubbyInHeels Posts: 24 Member
    Again THANKS EVERYONE!! I appreciate the knowledge and support :)
  • toxicat
    toxicat Posts: 79
    Eating too much protein can cause liver and heart problems, as well as weight gain.


    Every cell and organ in your body needs protein, but taking in too much of it can cause unpleasant symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea. You could also develop more serious problems, as excessive protein leads to a buildup of amino acids, insulin or ammonia in your blood stream, according to Australian researchers who published a review paper in "International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism" in 2006. For optimal health, get only the recommended amount of protein from nutritious, low-fat, low-cholesterol food sources.


    Weight Gain

    Your body can only use a certain amount of protein each day. If you take in too much protein, you may gain weight. Each gram of protein has 4 calories. If you take in 100 grams of protein, but your body can only use 50 grams of it, your body will store the extra 200 calories' worth of protein as fat. Doing this daily can cause you to take in 1,400 extra calories per week, resulting in a weight gain of almost 2 pounds per month.
    Reduced Liver and Brain Function

    An excessive protein intake can be harmful to your liver, brain and nervous system. When you eat protein, your body produces ammonia, a toxin that your liver makes harmless, according to Medline Plus. Eating too much protein over a long period of time can cause your liver to become overworked, allowing ammonia and other toxic substances to build up in your bloodstream. This can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, a condition marked by a decline in brain and nervous system function.
    High Cholesterol

    Many high-protein foods, particularly from animal sources, contain an abundance of cholesterol, which contributes to the development of hardened arteries that can lead to serious medical conditions, such as heart attack and stroke. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends limiting your cholesterol intake to no more than 200 milligrams per day, but a 6-ounce broiled porterhouse steak has 126 milligrams of cholesterol and half a roasted chicken breast has 83 milligrams of cholesterol. Eating too much animal protein can cause you to exceed the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's guidelines, putting you at risk for dangerous conditions.
    Recommended Protein Intake

    The Institute of Medicine recommends that protein-rich foods represent 10 to 35 percent of the calories you take in. The average woman should get about 46 grams of protein a day and men should get about 56 grams of protein daily. Active people need more protein than sedentary people, so if you engage in moderate to vigorous exercise on a regular basis, talk to your doctor to see if you should increase your protein intake.


    References

    Institute of Medicine: Dietary Reference Intakes - Macronutrients
    International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism: A Review of Issues of Dietary Protein Intake in Humans
    Medline Plus: Hepatic Encephalopathy
    National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Your Guide to Lowering Your Cholesterol With TLC
    USDA Nutrient Database: Broiled Porterhouse Steak
    USDA Nutrient Database: Roasted Chicken Breast

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