High protein diet

[LBVT]

You see so many different recommendations across fitness forums in terms of protein requirements. Some people say 100g/day is sufficient enough, but the majority of people say 1g/lb. is necessary to maintain, while one would need to consume 250g+ in order to gain, assuming CHO and fat intake is sufficient enough. While cutting, gaining, or maintaining, is it really necessary to get in that much protein per day? The human body cannot use all of that protein, thus causing some of it to be stored as fat, or excreted?

For reference, I get anywhere from 120-180g/day. Maybe that's why I'm small

[T h E o R e M]

Originally Posted by LBVT

You see so many different recommendations across fitness forums in terms of protein requirements. Some people say 100g/day is sufficient enough, but the majority of people say 1g/lb. is necessary to maintain, while one would need to consume 250g+ in order to gain, assuming CHO and fat intake is sufficient enough. While cutting, gaining, or maintaining, is it really necessary to get in that much protein per day? The human body cannot use all of that protein, thus causing some of it to be stored as fat, or excreted?

For reference, I get anywhere from 120-180g/day. Maybe that's why I'm small

considering my nutrition professor INSISTED no one needed more than 2-2.5 the RDA even as highly active person. Im still baffled as to why anyone would still eat more? unless theres more to it...whats the truth here really? i am also curious whether shes just blabbing from an old ancient transcript or something lol

[Right Hook]

This is where my macros sit on a cut right now....and personally I dont think I get enough protein:

2,500 calories
protein: 387 grams
carbs: 28g
fat: 93g

EDIT: I weight 220lbs so I am getting 1.76g's per lb of bw.

[dinoiii]

I'm actually going to respond indirectly versus to direct questions in this one as I am asked this question rather frequently actually.

The prototypical route this one is asked is:
"I've heard that you can't absorb more than ___grams of protein per meal. Is this true?"

Fill in the blank with the number of the hour for whichever magazine or suggested expert the question-asker seems to be quoting.

There are so MANY variables that dictate the answer, however, and I suppose if it were that easy then it wouldn't tend to lead to so many myths, right? See - even if only a certain number is absorbed, the quotation fails to consider how many amino acids may be required at any one particular time. Also, protein turnover rates also differ for different people.

Further still, let's say you are "cutting" - if you consume too many grams (especially in a reduced-carbohydrate state), you could very well be supplying gluconeogenic pathways (opposite of your goal). On the contrary, if you are consuming too few, you could be placing yourself at a distinct disadvantage in "cutting" or "bulking" due to both caloric deprivation and/or protein turnover requirements to maintain a positive nitrogen balance.

It does NOT matter if you understand all the terms I referenced above! What is important is that you see the question is NOT remotely as easy as either your nutrition profressors, and/or magazine article writers, and/or "gurus" on the net will make it. In fact, quite far from it.



D_

[xjsynx]

Originally Posted by Travis

This is where my macros sit on a cut right now....and personally I dont think I get enough protein:

2,500 calories
protein: 387 grams
carbs: 28g
fat: 93g

EDIT: I weight 220lbs so I am getting 1.76g's per lb of bw.

Read what the doc says about too much protein on a low-carb diet. Bad idea, you need to bump up the fat...

[Right Hook]

Originally Posted by xjsynx

Read what the doc says about too much protein on a low-carb diet. Bad idea, you need to bump up the fat...

Does he say more in another thread I have missed? Bumping the fat should be easy...

And how would adding fat negate the negative of "too much protein"?

[xjsynx]

Originally Posted by Travis

Does he say more in another thread I have missed? Bumping the fat should be easy...

And how would adding fat negate the negative of "too much protein"?

Because your body will use the fat for energy, instead of protein.

Here is from an article I just read

I know it's en vogue to always tell people to eat more protein, but I haven't found that to be an effective strategy (importantly, I'm talking about men here. I've never worked with a female who ate too much protein).

I've worked with many athletes who consume 1.5 or more grams per pound of body weight, and many of these athletes hire me to lean them up. If you're consuming that much protein and can't lose fat, it's likely that your body's using protein for energy. This is a problem because it keeps your body from getting its energy from its fat reserves.

These athletes are often shocked when I lower their protein intake. Sometimes I lower it to one gram per pound, other times I'll lower it even further. This almost always helps them lose fat, while increasing their energy.

Back in the day, I remember reading an article by Dan Duchaine that said that overeating any macronutrient can make you fat. My 19 year-old mind was certain he was wrong. After all, more protein can't keep you from getting lean, right? Wrong.

Bottom line: Increasing your protein intake to one gram per pound of body weight can be beneficial. But unless you're expending a huge amount of energy every day (think NBA basketball player), more protein probably won't help, and it could have the reverse effect by keeping you from getting lean.

[usf97j4x4]

Ehh... I ballpark it at 1-1.5 g/lb bodyweight

[Right Hook]

Originally Posted by xjsynx

Because your body will use the fat for energy, instead of protein.

Here is from an article I just read

That seems very vague. And a 60% protein diet doesnt seem to high to me. If I had 60% fat and 40% protein the article could again apply. Its too vague...

[xjsynx]

Originally Posted by Travis

That seems very vague. And a 60% protein diet doesnt seem to high to me. If I had 60% fat and 40% protein the article could again apply. Its too vague...

LOL...it was just a little info outlining the main facts. Bottom line, you will be a muscle wasting machine...