Going over on protein....

This is SO funny because I was just about to post this exact same question. I'm over my protein by a LOT every day. It's always lean and healthy protein. Now I'll read up on the replies here! Thanks for being one step ahead.

Just tried it...go to "home" then "goals" click "change goals" then "custom" and you can change the percentage of protein/carb/fat you want.

Is going over on your daily protein a bad thing? I am usually over by at least 3-4 points, but sometimes as much as 40-50 points. I eat a lot of chicken breast, 98% fat free turkey, and egg whites. If anyone could advise me on this I would appreciate it!!! Thanks

This is discussed million of times before here I guess.

There is a saying... excess of anything is bad... protein is good but protein taken over a certain amount for a long time can backfire as well. This can include stone problem and extra calories leading to fat.

Protein intake also depends on many factors like metabolism/goal etc.

This is my question as well!

Around 100 grams per day is actually right on track. If you have too much protein you're body won't be able to process it.

i was also wondering this...

I know protein is good for people who are trying to build muscle but how about us that are trying to lose fat? is it still a good thing?

Muscle Burns Fat...eat your protien......(Or so I am learning )

If you are still using the MFP defaults, those are too low to begin with.

I changed mine to 40% protein, 30% carb, 30% fat and easily get 100-150g protein a day.

i was also wondering this...

I know protein is good for people who are trying to build muscle but how about us that are trying to lose fat? is it still a good thing?

yes it is very important while in a caloric deficit. the big reason for this is that while in a deficit you tend to lose fat and muscle, a higher protein diet will help you retain more of your lean muscle while dieting.

If you want to increase your settings for protein go to goals > change goals > custom, MFP defaults to 15% protein, I would suggest increasing it to the range of 20-30% ( I would be more inclined to suggest 25-30, but 20% is adequate for most people).

It's true that if you have too much it can cause kidney issues, but this amount of "too much" is very high - a lot higher than MFP sets it's basic amount at (probably 200g+ minimum) Unless you have existing kidney problems I really wouldn't worry, it's hard to go much above 100-150 without protein supplements anyway. Protein is also very important if you exercise a lot, it helps you not lose muscle mass (most people lose some muscle when dieting)
If you have kidney problems, speak to your doctor about it.

It will not halt your fat loss progress, in fact it may help it as many people find foods high in protein and fibre to fill them up more so they get less hungry. The only thing that will make you gain weight is if you are over in caloires, macro (fat, carbs, protein) amounts are a personal choice. I have a goal of 150g to reach.

Many people on here shoot for 1g per lb of body weight. That's not necessary really unless you are looking to build muscle and/or do quite a bit of strength training but, again, it shouldn't do you any harm unless you have kidney issues.

Basically, it's fine, don't worry about it!

It is true that eating higher protein will put an additional load on the kidneys but the amounts being discussed here such as 1g per pound is unlikely to have any long term effects.

An existing medical condition could be agrevated.

Many people training out there have eaten these sorts of diets for decades without long term damage.

Drink plenty of water to shuttle the protein where it's required and you'll have a happy body.

Now pass me that chicken!! ;-)

MFP default protein requirements are low. Eat your protein kids.......

If you don't feed your body enough protein you will likely LOOSE MUSCLE at a faster rate on a restricted calorie diet.

The body building community generally recommend 1g/lb per day. You may not need that much but I would shoot for at least half that.

Most people find protein and fat are more satiating than carbs. As much as I love my carbs, I continue to dial them down and find I'm less hungry.

Exactly!

I sometimes find it hard to meet my protein targets, but I am trying to focus more on it. My Iron intake is very low, any suggestions?

I had to start taking a iron supplement. It changed my life, I did not realize how anemic I was. It was pre hysterectomy, so that TOM was really depleting me.

Spinach and beans are a good source of iron, but it is still good to take a supplement, unless you start to get constipated.

yes!, protien is a must for everyone, it takes the body more energy (calories) to burn off a gram of protien than a carb or fat. So you stay fuller longer and your are burning more calories, allbeit not a tonne.

Matt

Spot on!