Quote:
Originally Posted by Enjoynlife
I had read that the minimum protein amount was based on lean body weight or just what your organs weigh but I will have to locate the two articles I read. I think one of them was based on the eat fat get thin approach.
I could never stick with it because my protein was always too high for their max.
I've never heard of using "organ weight" to calculate minimal protein requirements, though I have read about using lean body weight. In fact, lean body weight (just the weight of your muscle) is supposed to be the most accurate. I didn't mention it though, because there's no way that you can measure that at home (or organ weight either). To measure either, you'd need some fairly sophisticated medical equipment.
The problem with using lean muscle mass as your measure for determining protein requirements is that it can't be done at home, it has to be done under medical supervision, because only through medical professionals are you able to access the required equipment. Those who argue for using this measure are usually also the people who argue that PSMF's should NEVER be undertaken without such medical supervision.
To be honest, I can't say I disagree. I have to see my doctor every four months anyway (for medication reviews) so we discuss diet plans quite often. For the most part, my doctor is ok with any food plan I want to try as long as I consider 1200 calories my minimum. He said it was ok to go over and even ok to go under once in a while, but that my average (say for the week) shouldn't consistently be under 1200 - but that's for me - not necessarily for anyone else.
I do think most people should consult their doctor before taking on a PSMF, but I also realize that most people don't.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Enjoynlife
Funny I was in the produce market and two older people started talking to me about vegan and the cabbage soup diet which allows certain veggies fruits on certain days. I mentioned that I would be too hungry without my protein and they both said it wasn't necessary and that they had lost so much weight. I wish Kaplods would have been with me that day.
More than a few years ago, and I wouldn't have been any help. I also underestimated the value and need for protein.
I'm still a bit skeptical on the levels mentioned (when I was growing up, we were taught through high school that humans only needed about 2 ounces of meat or cheese, or an egg or two - so it's hard to get used to the idea that we may need more (at least while dieting).
I think I probably have experienced muscle erosion over the years of yoyo dieting (which would account for some of my metabolic decline as well). And since I've been including a lot more protein, the weight does come off a little easier and little faster than it did when I started.