Should I even track my protein?

JessesGirl05
JessesGirl05 Posts: 253
edited September 27 in Food and Nutrition
I've been tracking protein but not exactly sure why. I've heard that most people use what MFP suggests for daily protein as a daily MINIMUM. And I always go into the red on it, and it drives me crazy, just because it's red and the others aren't. And today I started to wonder why I've even tracking it.

So I was opinions. Should I continue to track it (if so, why?)
If not, what should I replace it with? Right now, other then protein, I am tracking cals, carbs, sugar, fat, sodium.

Replies

  • heniko
    heniko Posts: 796 Member
    Proteins are one of the major macronutrients. And are needed for body function. As well as muscle building. You should track the protein since most people on SAD do not get anywhere near the needed amount of protein (about 1g per 1lb of lean body weight)Protein deficiency is generally not a problem in the U.S., but it is in many parts of the world. Malnutrition takes two forms: a person doesn’t get enough total calories (and they waste away) or he doesn’t get enough protein. Chronic protein deficiency can result in death (this is one of the dangers of anorexia).

    You can change the ratios in GOALS on the top of your page.
  • bossmodehan
    bossmodehan Posts: 210 Member
    if you don't like the red, adjust your percentages for macronutrients. Go to 'goals' and then 'customise goals' (or something similar) adjust the protein percentage to an amount that is an appropriate daily amount depending on your goals, and adjust the percentages for carbs and fat according. there's plenty of info out there about macronutrient percentages - just google it!
  • jreese5226
    jreese5226 Posts: 328 Member
    If you're always going in the red, it is likely you have enough of it in your diet and don't need to track it anymore. I would delete it and then start tracking something else you think you might be high or low on.. sodium, cholesterol...
  • heathersmilez
    heathersmilez Posts: 2,579 Member
    Change your goals to be 25-30% protein as it should be then you won't go into the red anymore.
  • mommacool
    mommacool Posts: 138 Member
    I usually make sure I am in the red. I shoot for the recommended amount as a minimum.
  • JessesGirl05
    JessesGirl05 Posts: 253
    Change your goals to be 25-30% protein as it should be then you won't go into the red anymore.
    Oh wow it was set to 15%!!!! I changed it to 30% and well see how that works. if i still keep going into the red, or if I steadily stay around the new recommended amount, im just going to track something else.

    Thanks!
  • redfletch
    redfletch Posts: 8
    Protein is the most important of the nutrients you eat...The reccomended daily allowence is well below what I would consider healthy. When trying to lose weight you should be eating mostly protein with dietary fats and minimize carbs.
  • elliecolorado
    elliecolorado Posts: 1,040
    I track because I changed my goal to 35% for protein and I track it to make sure that I am getting enough. MFP has it set at 15% so when I more than doubled it it took a little getting used to to start getting above 35% for me I try to get about 150g a day. I am trying to work towards a 40/40/20 ration (c/p/f). I track Calories, Carbs, Fat, Sodium, Protein and Iron.
  • Losing2Live69
    Losing2Live69 Posts: 743 Member
    Either don't track your protein or up your protein manually. I had to raise mine because MFP had it too low. Going in the red for protein is not a bad thing. Don't pay attention to the color of the numbers. Just don't go over on calories, carbs, fat, and sodium!
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