I've read so much about protein that I've become confused. I've been in a long stall and have now read it may be caused by my eating too much protein. I generally eat between 90-110 grams a day.

Is there anyplace on the Web where I can find out if there is a max amount per day and if there is, how is it figured out?

TIA,
Magic

Magic, there are sites on the web, but most of them will be run by high carbers; they'll tell you that 90g is too much. It's not. 90g is by no means excessive.

A sedentary elderly woman should consume a minimum 60g of protein daily. 90g is a small chicken breast more than that bare minimum

I looked through your journal and your fitday log. It's possible that you're just a slow loser, Magic. Are you eating 3 large meals or 5 or 6 smaller ones more often throughout the day? That would be one change I'd make. Also, are you getting your water in? I noticed you commented the weather was hot - dehydration will keep the water weight on.

I would not worry about the protein, however. Keep the food clean, simple and whole and keep the fat up - your body will love you for it.

Nat

you might want to buy the Protein Power book.

It has an elaborate method of figuring out your % body fat (based on your wrist and waist measurements), and from that, your Lean Body Mass (everything but the fat, I think...), and from that, how much protein - minimum - you need to sustain that lean body mass. You can adjust the amt. based on your level of activity and age, etc.

this system just gives you a minimum protein intake. I think you are allowed to eat more than that, if you are hungry.

Good book advice, Mr.Freddy. The 60g minimum is actually from Protein Power. Whatever number the charts in that book give you are your minimum, however - eating more is not just OK, it's better than eating just enough.

Nat

Thank you Nat and mrfreddy,

Nat, I'm eating 4 meals a day and snack in the afternoon or if I find myself hungry in the morning. That just depends on what time I eat breakfast.

Usually I have 2 oz of cheese for my afternoon snack, but I'm going to start having an oz of nuts or seeds just to mix it up.

As for the water I detest, I'm drinking it. At least 64 oz/day and sometimes I get in another 8. I love tea and Hansan's S/F sodas but with all the water, I hardly have enough time in the day to indulge in them. Coffee with heavy cream has become a treat, just because it's liquid.

I gave up Atkins shakes and protein bars because I thought they were stalling me, but that made no difference. Yesterday I needed calories so I had one of each. I think that will be a once/month treat.

Mrfreddy, the PP book is on my list. I guess the thing to remember is it gives you the minimum protein and according to Nat, it's ok to go over.

OK, I'm happy and ready to continue. The next thing that's going out of my house is my scale.

Magic