New protein consumption article-- everyone is going to go nuts over this!

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Replies

  • Carlos_421
    Carlos_421 Posts: 5,132 Member
    edited February 2018
    Brad Schoenfeld was involved with the meta analysis this article was based on.
    He called the article a “nice piece” on Twitter.
    Looks like the mainstream media finally got one right.
  • JAYxMSxPES
    JAYxMSxPES Posts: 193 Member
    JoRocka wrote: »
    I'm not sure I'd take the NY Times as a source of news on anything

    Fixed :D
  • JAYxMSxPES
    JAYxMSxPES Posts: 193 Member
    edited February 2018
    According to the NYTimes, it's settled. You need to eat lots more protein than the RDA. They are recommending 1.6 g protein per kg body weight. (The US RDA is 0.8g per kg of body weight, so the NYT is pretty much recommending doubling that amount.)

    https://nyti.ms/2BJefoq

    Here is the study that the article is based on:

    http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2018/01/18/bjsports-2017-097608

    They are doing a "meta-analysis" where they average prior studies to get a final result. The problem is that few of the prior studies show much of an effect, and some show a negative effect, so averaging them all together seems like a cheat. Here's one of the figures, for example. They are measuring changes in muscle fiber cross section and looking for a correlation with increased protein consumption. "0" would mean there's no correlation. The results are all over the place and the ranges are very large!

    0bo2745vq670.png

    My decision has been to eat somewhat more than the RDA, but I don't quite make it to 1.6 g/kg. I would think the most important part is lifting weights, not over-eating protein. I would go out on a limb to say that over-eating protein without lifting weights is pretty useless.

    Meta-analyses are actually a lot more complicated than just averaging the results of a bunch of small studies, at least the way most laypeople think of "averaging" (apologies if that wasn't what you meant). A well-constructed meta-analysis can be much more statistically accurate than any individual study.

    Definitely more than averages, a peer-reviewed meta analysis is a lot of work. Correlation is not the only factor, the variables being tested must also show some kind of relationship (t-test, ANOVA, etc). You can have variables that have a perfect correlation, but show no actual relationship.
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    edited February 2018
    Aeloine already explained it well, but I want to make a couple of points too.
    anubis609 wrote: »
    So I'm going to be candid as well. If focusing on subjectively tasty food led to the current situation, and just to clarify so we're on the same page, I'm equating "tasty food" to mean easily consumable food with a high satisfaction (subjective/psychological) and low satiety (physiological/physically full) factor. Then, there's going to be a bit of a gamble in keeping tasty food as the priority in your diet.

    TL;DR - if you want to lose fat, some things need to change.

    I actually think that the main reason people (or a lot of people) gain weight is they eat thoughtlessly, just whatever they want and based on taste. Not because they eat non satiating food or are hungry.

    I also think that a big reason why these people may not be motivated to lose weight is that they think it's a choice between losing and not enjoying their food or being as they are and being able to eat what they want. Understanding that they can (to some degree) have both, that they can lose and eat food they enjoy, can be a huge and motivating revelation.

    Your assumptions that the diet she is eating if not higher protein will leave her hungry (or does) or that the trade off is mostly stuff like donuts isn't warranted.

    [Edit: I see you responded in the meantime -- I got interrupted when writing so didn't see the response before. So never mind.]
  • lynn_glenmont
    lynn_glenmont Posts: 10,098 Member
    The problem is that few of the prior studies show much of an effect, and some show a negative effect, so averaging them all together seems like a cheat.

    So you think researchers should just throw out data that doesn't agree with their preconceptions or desired outcomes??
  • lynn_glenmont
    lynn_glenmont Posts: 10,098 Member
    AnvilHead wrote: »
    The problem is that few of the prior studies show much of an effect, and some show a negative effect, so averaging them all together seems like a cheat.

    So you think researchers should just throw out data that doesn't agree with their preconceptions or desired outcomes??

    I think that's reserved for people like Fung and Taubes. :D

    :D
  • anubis609
    anubis609 Posts: 3,966 Member
    AnvilHead wrote: »
    The problem is that few of the prior studies show much of an effect, and some show a negative effect, so averaging them all together seems like a cheat.

    So you think researchers should just throw out data that doesn't agree with their preconceptions or desired outcomes??

    I think that's reserved for people like Fung and Taubes. :D

    Lol win
  • aeloine
    aeloine Posts: 2,163 Member
    anubis609 wrote: »
    aeloine wrote: »
    I went a little off kilter with a very long response, which I think means it's a good time to ring the bell and head home.

    EDIT:
    Oh, what the hay, I already typed it all out:

    ...

    The title of this thread is apt in that I'm going to go nuts over this.

    I assure you I read your response. There's a lot of reasons why protein is important, but ultimately, no one's forcing you to eat more. Again, there was a lot of context missing from your responses supporting any notion that hunger wasn't an issue. Really, all the information I could gather from what was written was that you enjoy palatable food and would rather opt for those over protein.

    If whatever you're doing is keeping you adherent to your diet and you enjoy what you're eating, then ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ do you. That's more important for fat loss than anything. I mean, really, I'm just some rando on the internet. So screw what I say or what anyone else says. You don't need approval for your choices.

    Tbh I was just really bored at work and this was a fun debate! Figured at least someone should fight for the other side!
  • DJtobias13
    DJtobias13 Posts: 260 Member
    You should base your protein intake on LBM, your fat doesn't need proteins. The protein is essential for muscle repair (growth), but limiting anything in your diet is just silly... you need carbs for fuel during intense workouts and healthy fats for proper brain function. All 3 are good for other things too obviously, but those are some pretty good reasons not to leave out or limit any of them. Personally I base my diet around 1.14g of protein per lb of LBM, the rest of my calories are then split between carbs and fat.
  • Gallowmere1984
    Gallowmere1984 Posts: 6,626 Member
    1.6? Pffffft. I get that much just from the vegetables, potatoes and nut butters that I eat. Don’t even get me started on the chicken, fish and eggs. /flex (or something)
  • anubis609
    anubis609 Posts: 3,966 Member
    aeloine wrote: »
    anubis609 wrote: »
    aeloine wrote: »
    I went a little off kilter with a very long response, which I think means it's a good time to ring the bell and head home.

    EDIT:
    Oh, what the hay, I already typed it all out:

    ...

    The title of this thread is apt in that I'm going to go nuts over this.

    I assure you I read your response. There's a lot of reasons why protein is important, but ultimately, no one's forcing you to eat more. Again, there was a lot of context missing from your responses supporting any notion that hunger wasn't an issue. Really, all the information I could gather from what was written was that you enjoy palatable food and would rather opt for those over protein.

    If whatever you're doing is keeping you adherent to your diet and you enjoy what you're eating, then ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ do you. That's more important for fat loss than anything. I mean, really, I'm just some rando on the internet. So screw what I say or what anyone else says. You don't need approval for your choices.

    Tbh I was just really bored at work and this was a fun debate! Figured at least someone should fight for the other side!

    Yeah, I usually respond while I’m at work too. I’m a proponent for protein, obviously. Debates are good if they’re productive in some fashion.
  • Lillymoo01
    Lillymoo01 Posts: 2,865 Member
    My protein intake is excessive for my weight. I am 43 kgs but consume more than 100 grams of protein daily which isn't really that much on a 2000ish calorie a day diet.
  • AnotherPlate
    AnotherPlate Posts: 30 Member
    That's about the norm for me. Nothing new here.
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,294 Member

    Haha, I KNEW this was going to happen. Yes, some things have to change, but why can't they change PROPORTIONALLY? If I have to decrease my calories, say.... 25%, why can't that 25% come from ALL the macros?

    Protein is actually more important in a deficit as otherwise, a large % of your loss will come from lean muscle. As a % of your total calories, Protein should be much higher than in maintenance or a bulk. even the total grams should be higher, not just the %.

    as an example: Say you eat 100 grams at maintenance cals of 2000 (20% of total cals), but in a deficit, you should probably get 120 on 1500 cals (32%).
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    I'm confused at how veggie pizza tastes better than a good steak.

    I mean I love pizza- almost all pizza. But there is no way a veggie pizza tastes better than a good steak.
  • Jthanmyfitnesspal
    Jthanmyfitnesspal Posts: 3,522 Member
    JoRocka wrote: »
    I'm confused at how veggie pizza tastes better than a good steak.

    I mean I love pizza- almost all pizza. But there is no way a veggie pizza tastes better than a good steak.

    What makes a steak good is the fat. Low-fat steaks are dang tough.

    High-protein low-fat low-carb foods are a bit rough to eat in general. Unless you enjoy egg whites, skinless chicken breast, etc.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    JoRocka wrote: »
    I'm confused at how veggie pizza tastes better than a good steak.

    I mean I love pizza- almost all pizza. But there is no way a veggie pizza tastes better than a good steak.

    What makes a steak good is the fat. Low-fat steaks are dang tough.

    High-protein low-fat low-carb foods are a bit rough to eat in general. Unless you enjoy egg whites, skinless chicken breast, etc.

    I'll take the fat. You can't have all three "low" you have to eat SOMETHING. Why go low fat if you are going low carb? Pick one.
  • anubis609
    anubis609 Posts: 3,966 Member
    JoRocka wrote: »
    JoRocka wrote: »
    I'm confused at how veggie pizza tastes better than a good steak.

    I mean I love pizza- almost all pizza. But there is no way a veggie pizza tastes better than a good steak.

    What makes a steak good is the fat. Low-fat steaks are dang tough.

    High-protein low-fat low-carb foods are a bit rough to eat in general. Unless you enjoy egg whites, skinless chicken breast, etc.

    I'll take the fat. You can't have all three "low" you have to eat SOMETHING. Why go low fat if you are going low carb? Pick one.

    Because PSMF is soul sucking and I'm a glutton for punishment :lol:
  • JAYxMSxPES
    JAYxMSxPES Posts: 193 Member
    JoRocka wrote: »
    I'm confused at how veggie pizza tastes better than a good steak.

    I mean I love pizza- almost all pizza. But there is no way a veggie pizza tastes better than a good steak.

    Veggie pizza, no way. A good Chicago-Style or NY Style pizza with cheese, meats, a little veggies, and grease; I'll take that all day over steak. :D
  • Azdak
    Azdak Posts: 8,281 Member
    100_PROOF_ wrote: »
    NY times is getting to be as bad as the daily mail. I would take it all with a grain of salt and do your own research.

    They published a research study.

    Reading it is LITERALLY “doing your own research”.

    <facepalm>
  • franklin5280
    franklin5280 Posts: 80 Member
    Good time as any to ask for input.

    2497 Calories per day
    Current Marco’s
    P 150g
    C 175g
    F 133g

    Exercise; 35-40 minutes daily, walking, indoor Spin Bike, Ourdoor Bicycle, and Eliptical Trainer.

    Have not added weight training yet. Primary goals is fat loss. Second preparation for Outdoor Cycling March thru October. Goal to work up to 20 miles 3 days/week and longer Saturday/Sunday rides and hiking.

    Current Weight:341.6 lbs
    Goal Weight: 250 lbs
    Max Weight: 485 lbs

    Any/All Input Welcome.

    -F-
  • Packerjohn
    Packerjohn Posts: 4,855 Member
    Good time as any to ask for input.

    2497 Calories per day
    Current Marco’s
    P 150g
    C 175g
    F 133g

    Exercise; 35-40 minutes daily, walking, indoor Spin Bike, Ourdoor Bicycle, and Eliptical Trainer.

    Have not added weight training yet. Primary goals is fat loss. Second preparation for Outdoor Cycling March thru October. Goal to work up to 20 miles 3 days/week and longer Saturday/Sunday rides and hiking.

    Current Weight:341.6 lbs
    Goal Weight: 250 lbs
    Max Weight: 485 lbs

    Any/All Input Welcome.

    -F-

    First congrats on loping a whole person off your body. Great work.

    Your diet seems a bit high in fat at close to 50% of your calories. How do you feel with this split, and more importantly what does your doctor say regarding your labs?. Absent and other information, personally I would cut back on the fat to stay in the recommended range and bump protein first, then carbs. As you get to the riding season, you may want to up the carb % a bit for a couple days before long rides.

    "The Institute of Medicine provides acceptable macronutrient distribution ranges (AMDR) for carbs, protein and fat. These AMDRs are 45 percent to 65 percent of calories from carbs, 10 percent to 35 percent from protein and 20 percent to 35 percent of total calories coming from dietary fat"

    https://www.livestrong.com/article/81042-calculate-percentage-calories-fat-carbohydrate/
  • Jthanmyfitnesspal
    Jthanmyfitnesspal Posts: 3,522 Member
    Good time as any to ask for input.

    2497 Calories per day
    Current Marco’s
    P 150g
    C 175g
    F 133g

    Exercise; 35-40 minutes daily, walking, indoor Spin Bike, Ourdoor Bicycle, and Eliptical Trainer.

    Have not added weight training yet. Primary goals is fat loss. Second preparation for Outdoor Cycling March thru October. Goal to work up to 20 miles 3 days/week and longer Saturday/Sunday rides and hiking.

    Current Weight:341.6 lbs
    Goal Weight: 250 lbs
    Max Weight: 485 lbs

    Any/All Input Welcome.

    -F-

    You are awesome! Diet strong!

    I am not a professional in any way, but eating ~50% of daily calories from fat worked well for me while cutting. You can even go higher in fat and lower carbs, of course, but I found that balancing the carbs roughly with my cardio burn ("exercise calories") worked incredibly well and kept me more satisfied than an ultra-low carb approach. And, I never did the macro split very carefully, I focused (and still focus) on eating healthy balanced home-cooked meals that I liked and were within my calorie limit.
  • OceanAddict
    OceanAddict Posts: 55 Member
    Interesting article. I have been wondering about this, as I was looking back on my nutrition reports over the last couple months. About two months ago I started making a concerted effort to get more protein into my diet, and most days I manage to hit the RDA, but not all. I almost never hit the MFP default number - it just seems like soooo much protein to me.
    All of that said - I feel great. I've hit my goal weight, my strength training goals are progressing nicely, and my body fat % is consistently dropping. So while perhaps MOAR PROTEIN would be helpful in gaining strength faster, I really don't think it's realistic given my lifestyle and dietary choices (ovo-lacto vegetarian).
  • Sp1tfire
    Sp1tfire Posts: 1,120 Member
    I eat way more protein than I probably need. On heavy lift days I go for my bodyweight in protein, especially since i'm slightly underweight and trying to bulk as lean as possible. idk if it makes a huge difference, but I feel less sore that way and fuller!
  • scarla67
    scarla67 Posts: 60 Member
    I feel so much better when I consume lots of protein, try to make a lot of it nuts instead of meat and whey but my body works better with higher than recommended amounts and I lose weight easier when I have plenty of protein and healthy fats.
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