Going over in protein but under on calories - how bad?

kirstyg1980
kirstyg1980 Posts: 302
edited October 7 in Health and Weight Loss
Today it looks like I am going to be a fair bit over on protien - it's sitting at -12 just now although that does include tonights diner as well

everything else is going to be under

Just wondered what you guys thought in the being over protein part?

Replies

  • ironanimal
    ironanimal Posts: 5,922 Member
    Going over on protein now and then will do you no harm at all, especially if you do any exercise.
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    The protein recommendation on this site is on the very low side, so I would not worry about going over it, unless you have a health problem that it may affect.
    You can change the settings if you wish, I and many others have.
  • nieistniejaca
    nieistniejaca Posts: 3
    Do not worry about going over with proteins. They generally help with weight loss and tone your body. It's not good to go over with sugar and carbs but you need them for the energy. If you for example are using protein shakes and you 'overdose' on that your body will simply get rid of it.
    How do you get over on protein? It's quite difficult to be honest - well I have tried and did not manage to do that, apart when I drunk too much of a protein shake.
  • Cal28
    Cal28 Posts: 514 Member
    How do you get over on protein? It's quite difficult to be honest - well I have tried and did not manage to do that, apart when I drunk too much of a protein shake.

    I found 200g of chicken put me over instantly...?
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
    Just posted this in another thread:
    Some of MFP targets are limits to come in below (calories, sodium carbs etc.) and others are best viewed as targets (protein, vitamins, fibre, water etc.)

    MFP's default protein limit is very low, and many MFPers find it helpful to change the settings to 40/30/30% carbs/fat/protein. A bit more protein will help prevent muscle loss and stave off hunger.
  • ladyraven68
    ladyraven68 Posts: 2,003 Member
    I'm over on protein every day, but usually under on my calories and my carbs (except Wednesday if anyone is checking my diary :) )
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    Just posted this in another thread:
    Some of MFP targets are limits to come in below (calories, sodium carbs etc.) and others are best viewed as targets (protein, vitamins, fibre, water etc.)

    MFP's default protein limit is very low, and many MFPers find it helpful to change the settings to 40/30/30% carbs/fat/protein. A bit more protein will help prevent muscle loss and stave off hunger.

    Well put.
  • BeautyFromPain
    BeautyFromPain Posts: 4,952 Member
    It is good to have 0.5-1 gram of protein per pound of body weight per day. It helps to keep you full and keep muscle mass rather than losing it. As long as you're not declining your fresh fruit and veg you should be fine. Extra calories is the only thing which could made you gain, protein by itself slips straight through the digestive system.

    Also, how much under are we talking here?
  • kirstyg1980
    kirstyg1980 Posts: 302
    How do you get over on protein? It's quite difficult to be honest - well I have tried and did not manage to do that, apart when I drunk too much of a protein shake.

    I found 200g of chicken put me over instantly...?

    It's a chicken curry I am having for diner tonight - that will be why lol

    My diary is open, I find it easy to reach my protein targets and I don't do protein shakes
  • BeautyFromPain
    BeautyFromPain Posts: 4,952 Member
    okay so i just checked your diary and may i just ask you....

    PLEASE EAT? You need at least 1300-1500 for your body to function accordingly.
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    okay so i just checked your diary and may i just ask you....

    PLEASE EAT? You need at least 1300-1500 for your body to function accordingly.

    I am confused, I did too. It seems to me she is consuming that most of the time, there are one or two days that are exceptions. She is eating most of her exercise calories and consistantly comes fairly close to her suggested intake.
    I do wonder what you did on Sunday that burned almost 4000 calories. Holy moly.
  • kirstyg1980
    kirstyg1980 Posts: 302
    I know, not finished updating for today and I am trying my best to get a net of 1200 each day especially when I burn 400 + at the gym , but I've spent years trying to eat less and it's hard to eat when you feel full up, getting there though
  • kirstyg1980
    kirstyg1980 Posts: 302
    okay so i just checked your diary and may i just ask you....

    PLEASE EAT? You need at least 1300-1500 for your body to function accordingly.

    I am confused, I did too. It seems to me she is consuming that. She is eating most of her exercise calories and consistantly comes fairly close to her suggested intake.
    I do wonder what you did on Sunday that burned over 3000 calories. Holy moly.

    HAHA - we had very high winds here on the 2nd january that destroyed my garden fence - having several huskies I HAD to get a new fence up ASAP

    So 4 of us stripped the old fence, dug out the old fence posts and redone a whole new fence in a big garden over the weekend

    MFP doesn't have a DIY/fence exercise thing so I chose gardening and 300 minutes (5 hours) we worked non stop - not sure how accurate the calorie burn is though
  • kirstyg1980
    kirstyg1980 Posts: 302
    Also I only properly started eating "right" on Monday there, so before that not very healthy or accurate
  • BeautyFromPain
    BeautyFromPain Posts: 4,952 Member
    I know, not finished updating for today and I am trying my best to get a net of 1200 each day especially when I burn 400 + at the gym , but I've spent years trying to eat less and it's hard to eat when you feel full up, getting there though

    Okay just making sure!

    Sorry the time difference always confuses me :S
  • meltygarden
    meltygarden Posts: 111 Member
    Just posted this in another thread:
    Some of MFP targets are limits to come in below (calories, sodium carbs etc.) and others are best viewed as targets (protein, vitamins, fibre, water etc.)

    MFP's default protein limit is very low, and many MFPers find it helpful to change the settings to 40/30/30% carbs/fat/protein. A bit more protein will help prevent muscle loss and stave off hunger.

    Sorry, but I can't find where to change the ratios. Anyone?


    EDIT: nevermind, found it.
  • court182
    court182 Posts: 307
    It's not bad! I'm over on protein and a bit under my calories practically every day!!
  • behind_blue_eyes_83
    behind_blue_eyes_83 Posts: 85 Member
    Can I ask literally HOW you change to 40/30/30 on MFP? Under settings I can find which nutrients to track, but not their percentage of daily intake. Thanks!
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
    Can I ask literally HOW you change to 40/30/30 on MFP? Under settings I can find which nutrients to track, but not their percentage of daily intake. Thanks!
    My home -> goals -> change goals -> custom
  • MaggieMay131
    MaggieMay131 Posts: 211 Member
    Yes, the protein goals on this site are EXTREMELY low. I'd worry more about going over on sugars or carbs. Protein is good for you!! A common goal is to aim for .75g of protein per pound of body weight. Good luck!
  • Articeluvsmemphis
    Articeluvsmemphis Posts: 1,987 Member
    over in protein, good, no worries at all
  • Fit_Forever25
    Fit_Forever25 Posts: 313 Member
    You will have beautiful hair if you are having more protein than whats needed :-)
  • kirstyg1980
    kirstyg1980 Posts: 302
    OK - so I have adjusted my settings to 40/30/30, also changed it to track sodium and sugars

    Protein looks a lot better now

    but my sugars are -12, All healthy sugars from cereal, yogurt and fruit - is this bad

    Plus now that I have done my exercise for the day, it's saying I need to still eat up to another 1100 calories, It's 2pm here and I have already logged my diner and glasses of milk I'll have with it

    I think I've eaten a lot today, (especially when you count my diner) and I am full (not used to eating this much, does it get easier?) I've also eaten very healthily. What else could I be eaten in a day to increase this but not go to the full 1100
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
    I think I've eaten a lot today, (especially when you count my diner) and I am full (not used to eating this much, does it get easier?) I've also eaten very healthily. What else could I be eaten in a day to increase this but not go to the full 1100
    Unless you're having a teeny tiny portion of home-made curry tonight with no rice, naan bread etc., you'll find it's more likely to be 700 calories or more than 100-odd. Check exactly the type from a takeaway or shop, or add up the ingredients of a home-made one carefully. Not carefully checking calories had me on a plateau for ages!
  • kirstyg1980
    kirstyg1980 Posts: 302
    I think I've eaten a lot today, (especially when you count my diner) and I am full (not used to eating this much, does it get easier?) I've also eaten very healthily. What else could I be eaten in a day to increase this but not go to the full 1100
    Unless you're having a teeny tiny portion of home-made curry tonight with no rice, naan bread etc., you'll find it's more likely to be 700 calories or more than 100-odd. Check exactly the type from a takeaway or shop, or add up the ingredients of a home-made one carefully. Not carefully checking calories had me on a plateau for ages!

    Mines is a home made curry, with nothing but chicken, tinned tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, chilies, onion, garlic and spices in it - added every ingredient on to the recipe section - including the rice, suppose I could have a 2nd helping of rice to help
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