Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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I am very confused: In the response on this thread http://paleohacks.com/questions/22505/how-to-start-a-ketogenic-diet#axzz1VjDIP5Ov the recommendation is 0.8g P per kg bodyweight - Should I be eating 0.8g P per TARGET bodyweight rather than current bodyweight? Because logically, from the above, if I eat 0.8g per current weight [which is overweight] then it would seem I'm still supplying "too much" protein for ketosis to take place correctly. Any clarification for that? thanks

add-in: Hi Eric - tnx for the reply. I think perhaps I shd clarify that I am post-menopausal (I dont know if that makes any difference but I do think age plays some role in body needs) and not an exercise freak though I do walk to shopping and so on as far as possible. Just zapping round the huge fresh market is a good deal of energy burnt!

edited Aug 22 2011 at 7:33

asked Aug 22 2011 at 5:36

sz
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Eric · Answer 1 · 2011-08-22 06:35:33Z UTC

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Carbs is what will take you out of ketosis. I go with 0.7-1.0 gram of protein per lb of lean body mass. Which is considerably more than that. No problem getting into ketosis.

edited Aug 22 2011 at 6:35

answered Aug 22 2011 at 6:02

Eric
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	that's double the quantity of protein/kg-bodyweight! But perhaps you're young and very active physically. I've just added in a couple of notes to clarify my status. But I'm still confused: because the post says that excess protein will be turned into glucose.... – sz Aug 22 2011 at 7:37
	No. Your calculations are off then. Calculations based on lean body mass (your muscle only) vs. body weight (muscle, bone, water,etc) will not double the amount of protein intake. And don't worry too much about taking in too much protein or the protein turns to glucose thing. It's the carbs that matter most. Just stop eating those and eat protein and fat to satisfaction and then if you run into problems look at manipulating your macros a bit. Most people lose weight just fine without restricting anything but carbs. Don't torture yourself with calculations. – Shari Bambino Aug 22 2011 at 15:59

HeatherC · Answer 2 · 2011-08-22 11:23:52Z UTC

You understand that the calculation they're talking about is LEAN body mass which is not the same thing as body weight. You're supposed to base your protein intake on your body mass minus the fat. This site says if you are sedentary to use .5g Protein per pound of lean body mass.

Kelly · Answer 3 · 2011-08-22 13:21:51Z UTC

As heather said, LEAN body mass, so you need to do some calculations based on your body's current situation. Later down as you thin out you can adjust the protein amount, but wait a bit.

As with all things, whatever you determine will likely need tweaking anyways. Do it in two week increments. Start with whatever you figure out, try for 2 wks and then adjust the number of carbs down or %'s in general but nothing drastic. Sometimes it takes a month or two to get the right combo that will work for you.

Even when I initially figured mine out it was really too high but try it for a couple weeks to make sure. VLC will make the difference in ketosis, not protein.

good luck!!

Protein - recommended quantity while losing weight

3 Answers