Going over protein??

copswife4148
copswife4148 Posts: 59
edited October 5 in Health and Weight Loss
Quick question:
I'm still a beginner at all this dieting stuff (I'm still trying to find foods that have a good balance between the cals, carbs, fat, and proteins). Twice now I've been over my protein "limit" when my cals, carbs, and fats have been under the limit. Is that bad? I didn't know that having a little more protein than recommended wasn't a good thing. Anyone have any answers?

Replies

  • megpapier
    megpapier Posts: 60 Member
    The limit for protein that MFP defaults to is actually really low so I wouldn't worry about going over. I actually customized mine to 40% protein, 40% carbs, and 20% fats.
  • Dexy_
    Dexy_ Posts: 593 Member
    Have as much protein as you like, it'll keep you full and as far as I know there is no adverse effects to extra protein :)
  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
    I aim for 100g protein a day.

    Well done for keeping below your other targets - but dont worry about going over on protein, that's usually a good thing (same for fibre)
  • ItsCasey
    ItsCasey Posts: 4,021 Member
    I eat about 3 times the amount of protein MFP recommends for me. Don't sweat it.
  • Tree72
    Tree72 Posts: 942 Member
    The default settings on MFP are pretty much for the lowest recommended protein amounts. Many people, myself included, change it up to between 25 and 40 percent of their daily calories. Unless you have health issues related to your kidneys, there is no problem at all with eating more protein.
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    Being a little over on protein shouldn't hurt. Being a lot over could, depending on other health factors. If you are consistently way over the target you should check with your doctor to make sure you are not affecting your kidneys.
  • AnnaMaus
    AnnaMaus Posts: 167 Member
    It's actually not true that there are no problems with eating a lot of protein.

    Getting rid of the waste from metabolizing a lot of protein taxes the kidneys and the liver. It should not be maintained over long periods of time, especially If one has kidney problems (i.e. has had infections, damage and/or insufficiency), and/or if one regularly drinks several servings of alcohol at a sitting.
  • copswife4148
    copswife4148 Posts: 59
    Good deal! Here I was worrying about nothing! Lol! I have to admit that I have been over my carbs, fat, and cals each one time, but I was expecting that (once was in the beginning when I was still trying to remember that calories weren't the only things that mattered, and the other 2 times was just bad food choices). So all in all, since this "protein thing" isn't as big of a deal as I thought it was, then I think I'm FINALLY getting the hang of this! Tomorrow is my next weekly weigh-in, so I guess I'll see then!!! Thanks everyone!
  • LabRat529
    LabRat529 Posts: 1,323 Member
    It's actually not true that there are no problems with eating a lot of protein.

    Getting rid of the waste from metabolizing a lot of protein taxes the kidneys and the liver. It should not be maintained over long periods of time, especially If one has kidney problems (i.e. has had infections, damage and/or insufficiency), and/or if one regularly drinks several servings of alcohol at a sitting.

    To the best of my knowledge, this idea has been debunked by recent science. Most people should be just fine at high-protein levels. I personally am not a fan of the Atkins diet or any other high-protein, very low carb diet, but we didn't see the dire effects predict by scientists/MDs, and that's caused scientists to re-think and re-examine certain paradigms. End result: humanity is built to function well off of a variety of diets. Example: brains may like glucose, but the can live off ketones.

    That said, I really don't know my nutrition literature backwards and forwards, so feel free to debunk my debunking of your claim :D
  • Shock_Wave
    Shock_Wave Posts: 1,573 Member
    Protein= cals so going over to much might throw off your diet balance.

    As far as protein effecting the kidneys this is true. As I stated in another thread I eat about 250+g of protein a day. My doc knows my intake and he was not at all supprised when my kidney levels where high. He said he expected that but he did not recomend me to cut down my intake. I have heathly kidneys and I drink alot of water. So far so good.

    Edit: my liver values where within normal range.
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