balancing my protein

htherrien0406
htherrien0406 Posts: 47
edited November 10 in Food and Nutrition
Hi everyone! I have been a member for a few months now and love this site!

I have a hard time controlling my protein intake. It ends up much higher that what MFP recommends however if I cut down on the protein my hunger and cravings get the better of me. The proteins I eat are good - chicken, turkey, boiled eggs. I guzzle water like crazy and I don't want to increase my carb intake with grains.

Any suggestions on other foods that will help me feel full?

Replies

  • farmerstan
    farmerstan Posts: 18
    Have you tried eating nuts? I know they are full of fat but they hold me over quite well.
  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
    I wouldn't worry about going over on protein, that's usually a good thing. As long as you are within your calories, lots of protein is fine!
  • sarafil
    sarafil Posts: 506 Member
    Generally speaking, the protein threshholds on MFP are too low, imo....I always WANT my protein to be over. I try to eat my body weight amount in protein...meaning I weigh 140lb, so I shoot for 140g of protein per day.
  • htherrien0406
    htherrien0406 Posts: 47
    Thanks guys! I have always thought high protein was a good thing but when I se it go 'into the red' every day I started to question it. I keep on doing what I'm doing.

    Farmerstan: I think the nuts are a good idea because I'm always below on my fat intake.

    Also I have been at this point in my weight loss so many times over the last 5yrs and I hit a wall. It's the last 10lbs on me from when i had my youngest son and it's certainly the hardest to get rid of.
  • warrenkristine
    warrenkristine Posts: 1 Member
    I've been going over on protein everyday too & that is concerning me. Several articles I read today said that too much protein is bad for you.
  • cooter2533
    cooter2533 Posts: 108
    I wouldn't be concerned about too much protein, like previous posters have said mfp has protein set too low normally. Good luck with those last 10 lbs ;)
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,294 Member
    higher is good, MFP only allows for 15% of your cals to come from protein, many MFPers eat 30-40%. If you want you can change your % by going to goals > change goals > custom. I would suggest lowering carbs, not fat when increasing protein.
  • d2footballJRC
    d2footballJRC Posts: 2,684 Member
    Hi everyone! I have been a member for a few months now and love this site!

    I have a hard time controlling my protein intake. It ends up much higher that what MFP recommends however if I cut down on the protein my hunger and cravings get the better of me. The proteins I eat are good - chicken, turkey, boiled eggs. I guzzle water like crazy and I don't want to increase my carb intake with grains.

    Any suggestions on other foods that will help me feel full?

    Higher Protein is okay/good/excellent in some cases. If you have a kidney issue it can cause some issues for higher protein but the average normal person is going to be a-ok getting more protein.
  • ganesha303
    ganesha303 Posts: 257 Member
    higher is good, MFP only allows for 15% of your cals to come from protein, many MFPers eat 30-40%. If you want you can change your % by going to goals > change goals > custom. I would suggest lowering carbs, not fat when increasing protein.

    +1.

    I shoot for 35% or higher protein
  • dancingjr
    dancingjr Posts: 20
    Fiber is a great source for filling full. You should eat a good deal of fiber too. Try balancing your fiber and protein. They both should be over though because MFP does set it on the low side.
  • rainunrefined
    rainunrefined Posts: 850 Member
    Hi everyone! I have been a member for a few months now and love this site!

    I have a hard time controlling my protein intake. It ends up much higher that what MFP recommends however if I cut down on the protein my hunger and cravings get the better of me. The proteins I eat are good - chicken, turkey, boiled eggs. I guzzle water like crazy and I don't want to increase my carb intake with grains.

    Any suggestions on other foods that will help me feel full?

    MFP suggests a low amount of protein. You can always go in to your goals an adjust it. Of course too much of a good thing isn't always good, but my bet is you're not eating too much protein... I lowered my carbs and increased my protein in my goals. I'm losing and it works with my lifestyle.
  • dancingjr
    dancingjr Posts: 20
    higher is good, MFP only allows for 15% of your cals to come from protein, many MFPers eat 30-40%. If you want you can change your % by going to goals > change goals > custom. I would suggest lowering carbs, not fat when increasing protein.

    Good advice but don't lower your carbs too much. You need at least 130g of carbs a day to balance out your body.

    http://www.eatright.org/

    Great site for knowing how to balance everything.
  • Syreeta6
    Syreeta6 Posts: 377 Member
    Wow I have the opposite problem... I can't seem to reach my recommended protein goal.
  • atjays
    atjays Posts: 797 Member
    If you're working out, the protein # it's telling you to hit is FAR too low. I routinely double/triple the protein intake recommended. In most cases I never hit the fat or carb goal, which I'm okay with. I have a similar diet, lots of chicken/turkey with some fruits and veggies thrown in.
  • htherrien0406
    htherrien0406 Posts: 47
    Thanks for all the info everyone! I think increasing my fibre might be a good idea too, I know I'm low on that.
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