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MFP vs Sparkpeople - Protein Amount

casims3casims3 member
100 Comments
in Getting in Shape
I recently switched from Sparkpeople to MFP, mainly because I like that MFP subtracts your exercise calories for you.

On Sparkpeople, my target calories were 1200-1550 and my protein target as 60-163.

On MFP, my target calories are 1230 and my protein target is only 46.

Is there a recommended ratio of protein to calories? I'm thinking I should be closer to the 60 range if I am working out daily.

Other random question - on MPF I chose to also track my calcium, just to see how much I was getting. I went over the recommended amount just with breakfast yesterday. (Smoothie with almond milk, pb, protein powder and a banana.) By the end of the day I had almost double the goal amount. Is there harm in getting too much calcium?
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Re: MFP vs Sparkpeople - Protein Amount

  • Sjmiller418Sjmiller418
    100 Comments First Anniversary
    edited August 2012
    I cant speak on how much protein is right but from what I have read and my personal I try to get about half my weight in grams of protein. So weight 140 I try to get 70g of protein but this may not be right for everybody.

    Also if you look at the amount of protein MFP says before entering exercise and after it ups the amount of protein you need based on the exercise so maybe after doing that it ill match better to what your thinking.
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  • maribeth721maribeth721
    500 Comments First Anniversary Name Dropper
    edited August 2012
    I also use MFP and I think the protein amount it gives is WAY too low. I am usually averaging more around 80-100g of protein a day.
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  • Lobsters25Lobsters25 member
    1000 Comments 25 Love Its Second Anniversary Name Dropper
    Ditto to sj - 1/2 my body weight is my daily goal. 
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  • Meagan317Meagan317
    10 Comments
    I use MFP and I like that they break down the goals for protein, sugar etc but I'm with you on the values being too low. I went over my sugar at breakfast just having watermelon and cantaloupe. I generally use it just to make sure my calories and fats and stuff are within my alloted amounts but an trying not to worry too much about the rest of it
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  • cnf2013cnf2013 member
    1000 Comments Second Anniversary 25 Love Its Name Dropper
    I always go over my protein amount on MFP and I feel like I don't even eat that much of it. It's one section I don't fret over. Can't hurt. And as far as calcium goes, I say load it up. Your bones will thank you one day. 
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  • casims3casims3 member
    100 Comments
    Thanks everyone! I like the idea of using half your weight as an amount to aim for. Easy to remember. Thanks!
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  • stephcap32stephcap32
    100 Comments
    You can also adjust your goals for macronutrients on MFP so that you can see how close you are to actually reaching your real targets.  You have to do it online though.  I aim for 40% protein, 30% fat and 30% carbs.  Everyone is different, but that's what I have found works for me.

    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_mfp-vs-sparkpeople-protein-amount?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:d88de75f-5237-451c-8818-3683d643f924Post:cab634c6-b062-4127-a250-baa9b3f8ca58">Re: MFP vs Sparkpeople - Protein Amount</a>:
    [QUOTE]Thanks everyone! I like the idea of using half your weight as an amount to aim for. Easy to remember. Thanks!
    Posted by casims3[/QUOTE]
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  • jennipea382jennipea382 member
    1000 Comments Fourth Anniversary Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_mfp-vs-sparkpeople-protein-amount?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:d88de75f-5237-451c-8818-3683d643f924Post:17025640-e88e-4145-a8f1-6682c6fdaccb">Re: MFP vs Sparkpeople - Protein Amount</a>:
    [QUOTE]You can also adjust your goals for macronutrients on MFP so that you can see how close you are to actually reaching your real targets.  You have to do it online though.  I aim for <strong>40% protein, 30% fat and 30% carbs</strong>.  Everyone is different, but that's what I have found works for me. In Response to Re: MFP vs Sparkpeople - Protein Amount :
    Posted by stephcap32[/QUOTE]

    I was going to suggest this, or 40% carb, 30% fat, 30% protein. There is a lot of speculation that carbs hinder weight loss some. From what I've read in multiple places, MFP gives you too many carbs and not enough protein allowance, especially if you're doing any lifting. I'm thinking of changing mine to the 40/30/30. I eat a lot of carbs, so I'm trying to up my protein. Sadly I barely meet the 15% every day!
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