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Vegetarianism, Circuit Training, and Protein Intake

alannalemon
alannalemon Posts: 23 Member
edited October 2024 in Food and Nutrition
Hi all!

I started using MFP about a week ago, and before that (and during) I've been doing cardio kickboxing (3x a week), high intensity interval training (2x a week), and weightlifting (3x a week). I read that, for fat loss, it's best if I consume protein as 50% of my calories, carbs 30%, and fat 20%. I've also read that we should be consuming 1g protein for every 1 lb of body weight. This would put me at 185g of protein a day! :noway:

I think I can do that, with the use of protein powder, but I'm just wondering if the science behind this theory is correct? (Is there science behind this?) I've also been told that we really only need 20% of our calories to be from protein, which seems like a reasonable idea as well. But this may be a bias because I've heard this from vegetarians and vegans, and none of which were looking to lose weight.

I've also heard that because I am lifting, I should be consuming closer to 1.5 g of protein/lb of body weight. But again, I'm looking to lose weight, not bulk up.

Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated! There's so much info online I don't know what's correct!

Thanks!

Alanna :flowerforyou:

Replies

  • stylistchik
    stylistchik Posts: 1,436 Member
    The 1 g protein is per pound of LEAN body mass (find your bf% multiply by your weight and subtract). This is how many grams you're supposed to have. Everyone is different so it wouldn't hurt to consult a nutritionist, or even a trainer at your gym. Going a little higher on carbs isn't bad, especially since for athletes. You need those carbs for energy, just make sure they're from whole, naturals sources like grains, legumes, fruit and veggies. Females won't "bulk up" unless you're taking supplements especially for that - we're not built that way. You can gain muscle and still lose weight if you're working hard and eating enough. :wink:
  • alannalemon
    alannalemon Posts: 23 Member
    thanks stylistchik! Very interesting! I didn't know that it was by lean body mass, because that sounds much more reasonable.

    i know that women can't "bulk up", which is why i'm wondering if the whole "weightlifting = 1.5 g protein/ lbs" was only for men, as opposed to women too.. rereading my first post, i realize i never asked that.. whoops! :blushing:

    I'm still curious about the science behind the 50/30/20 ratios, or if this is even a good guideline

    thanks again! :)
  • alannalemon
    alannalemon Posts: 23 Member
    bump cause i'm curious :wink:
This discussion has been closed.

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