Thoughts on a lower protein diet

I've tried low fat diets, slim fast, portion control diets in the past and I was always hungry. I've found having a diet which includes a decent amount of protein and good fats, keeps me feeling full for a long period of time. That is not to say you won't find successful with other diets, but this is what I found that works for me.

I am on a low protein and low fat regime, and get most of my calories from carbs...veggies and fruit and whole grains, NOTHING processed. I eat 5-7 times a day, 3 main meals and snacks, and am rarely hungry. I have excellent energy, sleep like a baby, walk 3-5 miles daily and strength train. I am 54, 5'7", and weigh between 115-120 pounds. It works for me. I have read lots of studies on protein, both pro and con, and am of the opinion that it is perhaps pushed on us a bit hard. Part of that reason could be that major food producers (beef, dairy, eggs, etc.) are high protein foods and so the protein gets the advertising dollar. Just saying. I suffer from no lack of energy whatsoever. I have, however, decided to up my protein intake from 10% of my daily calories to 15% in an effort to build a little muscle on my extremely lean body.

You might want to watch the movie Forks Over Knives. There is more to choosing a diet than how quickly you lose weight. I eat a whole food, plant-based diet and have lost nearly 50 pounds since the beginning of the year (with exercise). My cholesterol levels and blood pressure have also come down drastically and I have the energy level I had at least 20 years ago, where prior to that I was suffering from aches and numerous autoimmune problems.

I average about 40-60g protein a day I'd say. I also eat a plant-based diet, so it's all coming from diverse plant proteins. Since I've been doing more strength training (P90x or 30DS), I'm definitely seeing toning on my muscles on my abs, arms and nice shape to my legs (I run as well). I eat more carbs than some although right now I need to cut down the amount of sugar in my diet (specifically from coffee and added sugar; I will always incorporate fruit into my diet). As long as I focus on reducing empty (refined) carbs and trend towards whole foods and grains, I don't feel the need to restrict or even track my carb intake. And I find when I'm sticking to my calorie guidelines, I'm losing weight and building muscle.

I find it interesting that the largest animals in the world eat only greens....elephant, giraffe etc. Sure they eat massive amounts, but still low in protein. I have been vego/ vegan....I have been lean with muscle eating tonnes of potato etc....just did plenty of exercise ( back then it was Tae Bo). I find it's the good fats that keep me full, such as linseed oil and nuts. Eggs keep me full, I think it's the fat in it!

Plants have protein too. You can get plenty of protein on a veg/vegan diet. I normally eat a lot of beans and they are full in protein! No need to eat huge amounts of meat to get the protein.

Its the protein in eggs that keep you full not the fats. Learned this my first year in my nutrition courses. Ill try and find the book with the studies in it to quote xD

Protein should be the main focus of every diet imo. Check out the book "Body Rx" By A. Scott Connelly.