Protein - Daily Minimum

I was under the impression (from reading the Zone diet) that the average woman needed about 21 grams of portein at each meal.

Today I was told that 30 grams of protein per day is plenty.

Does anyone know the minimum amount of protein needed to maintain good health for a woman who's 140 lbs and 5' 8.5"?

Sun. Feb 5, 1:31am

Well, I went to a nutritionist once and she said I should aim for 42 g. I'm 5' and 105 lbs. I don't know your activity level, but I would think you'd need a bit more than 30g.

Sunday, February 05, 2006, 2:20 AM

Are they assuming 3 meals per day? I've always heard something like 50 something grams is best. I think is depends on your activity also. I know I do better with a level that is more like 50-60 at day.

Sunday, February 05, 2006, 5:50 AM

All diets have different recomendations.
weight watchers says 30 % of your calories from protein, same as zone.
RDA says 50 grams protein, 65 grams fat, and 300 grams carbs.
I got this info from Crosstrainer when I downloaded the free trial.

Sunday, February 05, 2006, 9:01 AM

I'm the original poster. Thanks for your input everyone. I had a strong feeling that 30 grams of protein was not enough.

Sunday, February 05, 2006, 2:38 PM

I eat 1200 calories on average...

Get...
71 g protein
31 g fat
180 g carbohydrates

works out to
22% Cals. from fat
6.6% cals from saturated fat
56% cals. from carbs
22% cals from protein

I put the link below to all the nutritional information for the plan that I'm on.

Link

Sunday, February 05, 2006, 2:56 PM

4 , 4 & 9!

1 g protein = 4 calories
1 g carb = 4 calories
1 g fat = 9 calories

So depending on what % you're going for of each and the total amount of calories you're going for per day - you can figure out how many grams of each you need to get.

For example:
1200 calories a day
30% protein, 50% carbs, 20% fat ......
1200*.3 = 360 cals = 360/4 = 90 grams protein
1200*.5 = 600 cals = 600/4 = 150 grams carbs
1200*.2 = 240 cals = 240/9 = 26.67 grams fat

Hope this helps you!

I've always heard 30% protein, 50% carbs, 20% fat is good to shoot for!

Sunday, February 05, 2006, 4:58 PM

Related Content: How To Lose Weight- The Basics Weight Watchers Points System The Fat Smash Diet The Eat To Live Diet The Beck Diet Solution How To Get The Motivation To Lose Weight		How To Be Successful Using PEERtrainer How To Burn Fat Online Weight Loss Support- How It Works Does Green Tea Help You Lose Weight? Tips On Using PEERtrainer Visit The PEERtrainer Community Diet and Fitness Resources
Fitness Weight Watchers Meetings Learning To Inspire Others: You Already Are Writing Down Your Daily Workouts Spending Money On A Personal Trainer? How I Became A Marathon Runner		Preventive Health How To Prevent Injuries During Your Workout Flu Season: Should You Take The Flu Shot? Are You Really Ready To Start PEERtrainer? Super Foods That Can Boost Your Energy Reversing Disease Through Nutrition
New Diet and Fitness Articles: Weight Watchers Points Plus How To Adjust Your Body To Exercise New: Weight Watchers Momentum Program New: PEERtrainer Blog Archive Review Of The New Weight Watchers Momentum Program		Weight Loss Motivation by Joshua Wayne: Why Simple Goal Setting Is Not Enough How To Delay Short Term Gratification How To Stay Motivated How To Exercise With A Busy Schedule
Real World Nutrition and Fitness Questions Can Weight Lifting Help You Lose Weight? Are Protein Drinks Safe? Nutrition As Medicine?		Everyday Weight Loss Tips How To Eat Healthy At A Party How To Eat Out And Still Lose Weight The Three Bite Rule Tips On How To Stop A Binge