Too little protein

Mariasol · 11-23-2004, 11:33 AM

I am in maintenance and average only 1200 - 1400 calories per day, with 50 - 60 grams of protein. This is with eating until satisfied. However, I am worried that I do not get enough protein. FDA does not give a number, but food labels seem to indicate that 50g is recommended, but of course, they assume 300 g carbs. Another source (jenny_the_bean) states 0.36/lb plus 45 grams carbs (for the brain) per day. My carbs are generally below 20 (they naturally end up that way) so I would need to produce 25 carbs by converting 46 grams of protein (46x0.54=25). This means that I need 46 + 0.36x126 = 91 grams of protein per day. And this number is for a sedentary person; I work out 4 - 6 hours/week (weights/cardio) so I should add some grams to these 91.

Are there any guidelines for how much protein a person needs?

Mariasol

Atkins_Nutritionist · 11-29-2004, 10:15 AM

The guideline that most nutritionists use is 0.8g/kg body weight which is the same as 0.36g/lb body weight. But this is only a general calculation.

If you are doing well with the meal planning you are on and maintaining, I wouldn't worry too much about the exact number or calculation. If you are listening to your body and eating in response to what your body needs, then continue what you are doing.

Mariasol · 11-29-2004, 11:36 AM

Thank you for your answer. I have not worried about it as I have felt fine and nobody (except vegetarians) think there is a possibility that someone will not get sufficient protein. However, after having googled some more, I found that any protein deficiency would take very long time to show symptoms, and if it does, you are already in trouble. To be on the safe side, I will add a protein shake to my daily intake.

Mariasol

11-23-2004, 11:33 AM	#1
Mariasol Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: NJ Posts: 5,941 Gallery: Mariasol Stats: 138/124/125 WOE: LC Start Date: 2/04	Too little protein I am in maintenance and average only 1200 - 1400 calories per day, with 50 - 60 grams of protein. This is with eating until satisfied. However, I am worried that I do not get enough protein. FDA does not give a number, but food labels seem to indicate that 50g is recommended, but of course, they assume 300 g carbs. Another source (jenny_the_bean) states 0.36/lb plus 45 grams carbs (for the brain) per day. My carbs are generally below 20 (they naturally end up that way) so I would need to produce 25 carbs by converting 46 grams of protein (46x0.54=25). This means that I need 46 + 0.36x126 = 91 grams of protein per day. And this number is for a sedentary person; I work out 4 - 6 hours/week (weights/cardio) so I should add some grams to these 91. Are there any guidelines for how much protein a person needs? Mariasol Last edited by Mariasol : 11-23-2004 at 11:49 AM.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

11-29-2004, 10:15 AM	#2
Atkins_Nutritionist Nutritionist Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Atkins Health and Medical Information Services Posts: 684 Gallery: Atkins_Nutritionist	The guideline that most nutritionists use is 0.8g/kg body weight which is the same as 0.36g/lb body weight. But this is only a general calculation. If you are doing well with the meal planning you are on and maintaining, I wouldn't worry too much about the exact number or calculation. If you are listening to your body and eating in response to what your body needs, then continue what you are doing.

11-29-2004, 11:36 AM	#3
Mariasol Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: NJ Posts: 5,941 Gallery: Mariasol Stats: 138/124/125 WOE: LC Start Date: 2/04	Thank you for your answer. I have not worried about it as I have felt fine and nobody (except vegetarians) think there is a possibility that someone will not get sufficient protein. However, after having googled some more, I found that any protein deficiency would take very long time to show symptoms, and if it does, you are already in trouble. To be on the safe side, I will add a protein shake to my daily intake. Mariasol