Too Much Protein: Beneficial or Not

MaryPhillips90
MaryPhillips90 Posts: 236 Member
edited December 2024 in Food and Nutrition
As of today, I have upped my protein intake in hopes to build a little more muscle. By the end of today, my protein intake will be in the red -32.
My question: is there such a thing as TOO much protein? Is more protein allowed? What should I set my intake to?

I'm currently trying to lose 8 more pounds, but looking to build (a little) muscle in the process. Once I reach my goal, I plan on lifting weights more.

Also, I'm having horrible shin splints. Anything to do for that?!

Replies

  • TanyaDelAngel
    TanyaDelAngel Posts: 50 Member
    If you build muscle maybe you won't lose weight, because you are gaining weight in muscle, Do I explain my self?, but you will be able to notice it. I like to go to GNC and ask somebody that looks really bulky questions about how much protein, it usually says in the bag how much you need after training. Hopefully somebody here will be able to tell you.
  • gastankerdriver
    gastankerdriver Posts: 162
    If you want to add some muscle, I recommend upping the protein intake. It is also very important to spread it out over the day. I read on Bodybuilding.com that the body can only process about 20 grams of protein at a time (not sure if that applies to women, men or both). Consistency, and small protein rich meals spread out through out the day will give you your best results. Also, try to increase your diet of complex carbohydrates--yams, peas, brown rice, kidney beans (ew!), whole wheat bread, etc. Some additional products that I use to build and retain muscle are Universal creatine chews and Allmax Aminocore. As far as how much protein should you take in, I would go on one of the bodybuilding sites for that answer. Just guessing, I would say close to your bodyweight every day, but do the research yourself. It also depends on how much excercise you are getting. There are many factors and it is not an exact science. I am still learning every day. Good luck to you. Add me if you want support or have questions.
  • SergeantSunshine_reused
    SergeantSunshine_reused Posts: 5,382 Member
    If you build muscle maybe you won't lose weight, because you are gaining weight in muscle, Do I explain my self?, but you will be able to notice it. I like to go to GNC and ask somebody that looks really bulky questions about how much protein, it usually says in the bag how much you need after training. Hopefully somebody here will be able to tell you.

    LOL most people at GNC are seriously clueless.

    Set your protein to your LBM number. So mine is around 100 grams a day. More protein will help protect your muscle mass.
  • MaryPhillips90
    MaryPhillips90 Posts: 236 Member
    Thanks for the advice :)
  • BeautyFromPain
    BeautyFromPain Posts: 4,952 Member
    In my nutrition class they say anything over 45% of your daily intake can start to cause problems but 35-45 is ideal :)
  • PercivalHackworth
    PercivalHackworth Posts: 1,437 Member
    ahah, no, 40% is HUGE :noway: :noway: :noway:
    There is no rule, but when we calculate macros, we usually start by the fat :
    from 15 to 35% of the total intake
    followed by proteins, based on bodyweight (in kilos), for a non lifter, 1,5 g per bodyweight in kilos is enough (that goes from 15 to 20%)
    and we complete with carbs, used for hitting your daily goals
  • SergeantSunshine_reused
    SergeantSunshine_reused Posts: 5,382 Member
    Percentages are not the best to go by i think.
    There will be a crazy difference between someone eating 1300 calories and 2,000 like me!

    Set protein in g of LBM
    set fat to .35 time bodyweight
    ^^these are minimums
    Rest in whatever (yummy carbs!xD)
  • lizzys
    lizzys Posts: 841 Member
    good question
  • USMCConditioning
    USMCConditioning Posts: 84
    Well, it really does depend on what you're trying to accomplish. As far as too much protein, it's not BAD, but it's wasteful. Your body will only absorb roughly 30grams of protein at one time. Generally, anymore then that and it just comes out of your body. For me personally, i should be consuming my body weight in protein on a daily basis. everyone has a different objective when it comes to protein, though.
  • PercivalHackworth
    PercivalHackworth Posts: 1,437 Member
    yes, but for most people, overgoing in proteins is often useless, and ends up in the belly zone ;D
    Since you lift you won't have that issue.
    It's always funny how recurrent associations exist :
    protein <---> muscle gain
    fat <---> will make me fat
    carbs <---> avoid certain/ avoid em all
  • mustgetmuscles1
    mustgetmuscles1 Posts: 3,346 Member
    This what I do

    1 gram per pound of lean body weight for protein.
    .25 grams per pound of lean body weight for fat
    The rest I fill up with carbs to meet my daily calorie goal.

    If I work out and need to eat back calories I just eat any combination of carbs/fats/protein until I reach my calorie goal as long as my daily minimum has been met for fat and protein.

    I found this video very helpful
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLhtjYoU9aQ
  • Huffdogg
    Huffdogg Posts: 1,934 Member
    Anything over 1g/lb of body weight cannot really be beneficial, but isn't doing any real harm, either.
  • PercivalHackworth
    PercivalHackworth Posts: 1,437 Member
    Well, it really does depend on what you're trying to accomplish. As far as too much protein, it's not BAD, but it's wasteful. Your body will only absorb roughly 30grams of protein at one time. Generally, anymore then that and it just comes out of your body. For me personally, i should be consuming my body weight in protein on a daily basis. everyone has a different objective when it comes to protein, though.

    Both statement are false
    #1 - http://www.liftbigeatbig.com/2011/10/protein-absorption-myth-of-30-grams.html
    #2- http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/nutrition/excess-protein-and-fat-storage-qa.html
  • Huffdogg
    Huffdogg Posts: 1,934 Member
    I read on Bodybuilding.com that the body can only process about 20 grams of protein at a time (not sure if that applies to women, men or both).

    Myth.
  • katejkelley
    katejkelley Posts: 839 Member
    Every day I exceed my protein allowance, and I'm not really sure I eat all that much! I do have two servings of yogurt, usually scrambled egg whites, and maybe a small amount of lean meat during the day. I don't really want to cut out much more protein. Does anyone else have this issue?
  • rfarinha
    rfarinha Posts: 388 Member
    According to Joy Bauer, the nutritionist on the Today Show, we need about 50% of our weight in grams of protein. That means if a person weighs 150 pounds they would need 75 grams of protein each day.

    I think MFP really "under allocates" the amount of protein on our target macros...
  • USMCConditioning
    USMCConditioning Posts: 84
    Well, it really does depend on what you're trying to accomplish. As far as too much protein, it's not BAD, but it's wasteful. Your body will only absorb roughly 30grams of protein at one time. Generally, anymore then that and it just comes out of your body. For me personally, i should be consuming my body weight in protein on a daily basis. everyone has a different objective when it comes to protein, though.

    Both statement are false
    #1 - http://www.liftbigeatbig.com/2011/10/protein-absorption-myth-of-30-grams.html
    #2- http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/nutrition/excess-protein-and-fat-storage-qa.html

    Thats actually good to know, thanks for the links.
  • PercivalHackworth
    PercivalHackworth Posts: 1,437 Member
    :drinker:
  • Ash_76
    Ash_76 Posts: 186 Member
    I read on Bodybuilding.com that the body can only process about 20 grams of protein at a time (not sure if that applies to women, men or both).

    Myth.

    that is a average set for the average person, a 20 stone person will absorb more than a 10 stone person.
  • MaryPhillips90
    MaryPhillips90 Posts: 236 Member
    According to Joy Bauer, the nutritionist on the Today Show, we need about 50% of our weight in grams of protein. That means if a person weighs 150 pounds they would need 75 grams of protein each day.

    I think MFP really "under allocates" the amount of protein on our target macros...

    Ok, this makes me feel better, but seems a little outrageous for the everyday person! I'm TRYING to up my protein and reached close to 80g (I weigh 143) by the day was over. This was by specifically drinking protein shakes and I had chicken for lunch. How would the everyday person (who is not trying to lose weight/gain muscle) get this much protein in their diet without trying?!
  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,281 Member
    Protein intake should be based on lifestyle and body composition. Most recomendations are for the sedentary crowd.
  • LizKurz
    LizKurz Posts: 340 Member
    According to Joy Bauer, the nutritionist on the Today Show, we need about 50% of our weight in grams of protein. That means if a person weighs 150 pounds they would need 75 grams of protein each day.

    I think MFP really "under allocates" the amount of protein on our target macros...

    Ok, this makes me feel better, but seems a little outrageous for the everyday person! I'm TRYING to up my protein and reached close to 80g (I weigh 143) by the day was over. This was by specifically drinking protein shakes and I had chicken for lunch. How would the everyday person (who is not trying to lose weight/gain muscle) get this much protein in their diet without trying?!

    Vegans and vegetarians get Around 10-20% just by eating protein rich veggies and legumes and rice etc, if you're a meat eater, it shouldn't be too hard to get more.

    Just having an egg + 1 white for breakfast, 2 oz of chicken for lunch, and 3oz of lean protein for dinner, along with the non meat protein I eat, I am able to get around 90 grams which is my allotment.
  • WhitneyAnnabelle
    WhitneyAnnabelle Posts: 724 Member
    If you consistently consume LARGE amounts of protein over an extended period of time, you can damage your kidneys (kidneys are nothing to **** with, either--I have the stones to prove it). But I believe those are extreme cases. In any event, I could probably never eat my body weight in grams of protein. I think you're probably fine.
  • hsnbro
    hsnbro Posts: 55
    bump
  • starsnyc21
    starsnyc21 Posts: 436 Member
    Too much protein is hard on the digestion process. I've literally wanted to go to the hospital after being back up for days due to high protein diets. You have to find a balance between good cards, protein and fat. If not be prepare for the back lash.
  • warmachinejt
    warmachinejt Posts: 2,162 Member
    As of today, I have upped my protein intake in hopes to build a little more muscle. By the end of today, my protein intake will be in the red -32.
    My question: is there such a thing as TOO much protein? Is more protein allowed? What should I set my intake to?

    I'm currently trying to lose 8 more pounds, but looking to build (a little) muscle in the process. Once I reach my goal, I plan on lifting weights more.

    Also, I'm having horrible shin splints. Anything to do for that?!
    not possible to lose 8lbs and build muscle. Unless your genetics are insanely beneficial in your favor.
    By the way I used to not go down below 270g of protein everyday about a year ago. It was on a surplus though.
  • Amburglar
    Amburglar Posts: 32
    "If you build muscle, you won't lose wait." FAIL. MYTH.

    I lift 30-45 minutes 5-6 days a week. Cardio 20-45 minutes 6-7 days a week.
    I have cut my carbs in half for what is recommended on MFP and I take in about 110-130g of protein a day. I also drink a ton of water to make sure I flush whatever my body doesn't use. I'd much rather be over on protein than under.
    I'm 5'8" and weight 140. Since I started doing this, 2 months ago, I can't believe the change in my body and the definition...and I've lost an average of a pound per week. If you are lifting, you need to feed your muscles. Thankfully, as women, because of estrogen and minimal amounts of testosterone in our bodies, MOST women do not naturally get big without insane training and enhancements.
    I also eat VERY clean...which, overall, is the biggest part of the battle.
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