Too much protein?

treatingmybodyright
treatingmybodyright Posts: 184 Member
edited October 3 in Food and Nutrition
I have been going way over my protein limits everyday and was wondering if that could have a negative effect on weight loss even though I am under my calorie and fat limit. I am getting anywhere from 80-115 grams of protein per day. Is that too much?

Replies

  • love22step
    love22step Posts: 1,103 Member
    I've kinda wondered about that myself, but I haven't found a good answer. I'm doing strength training and trying to build muscle. Muscle needs protein, so I'm not worrying about getting a little extra.
  • mlhaag
    mlhaag Posts: 2
    My protein level is always high too and my calorie count under my goal. You need protein to burn fat so I would think that is a good thing.
  • reneeileen
    reneeileen Posts: 455 Member
    I was talking to a PA about this (I am not a medical professional of any sort) and she was telling me that she has put several diabetics and very over weight people on higher protein diets with a lot of success. She was encouraging me to get 30 grams within two hours of waking to control my appetite throughout the day.

    My personal thought is, if it is working for you, you feel good and you are making healthy choices, why mess with it?
  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
    The default setting on MFP is very low - you can tweak that using custom settings.

    But as a rough guide, if you're doing strength training and looking to build muscle, 100-150g per day is fine.
  • allready_gone
    allready_gone Posts: 36
    I reset my protein level to 75 when I learned that was the minimum I should be taking in. I was very frustrated because I was working very hard and not losing any weight and was also having difficulty getting through some of my workouts. That's when a friend got me onto MFP and saw I wasn't eating anywhere near enough protein. Once we adjusted it, good things finally started to happen!!
  • michaelsdavies
    michaelsdavies Posts: 47 Member
    For me, I couldn't lose any weight without plenty (I mean plenty!) of protein. Encourages your body to turn the fat you already have into energy rather than being lazy and burning what you're eating, so fill your boots.
  • pph79
    pph79 Posts: 78
    Protein is important, however it shouldn't be over-loaded. It is a complete urban myth that we need MASSIVE amounts of it. Too much protein, especially animal protein, can impair our kidneys; leach calcium, zinc, B vitamins, iron, and magnesium from our bodies; and cause osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer, and obesity. Also, large amounts of protein can damage tissues, organs, and cells, contributing to faster aging.
  • treatingmybodyright
    treatingmybodyright Posts: 184 Member
    Thanks so much, everyone. I do think we tend to over-emphasize how much protein we need, so I'm not going crazy *trying* to consume loads of protein; therefore, I was surprised to see myself go so far over the limit, which is about 54 grams, according to MFP. I think a healthy balance of whole foods is key.
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