Protein Macro Ratio vs Total Grams

#1

Which is best to track? I was under the impression that grams per day was better because its about maintaining lean body mass.

I think Dr. Westman said it well once, about how your macros may actually be different than you think if your body is burning body fat (which would theoretically add to the fat macro percentage). So by this, I think the total grams would be better to track, then fill in fat to feel full, and then you’ll need less fat to feel full because you’ll kick over to feed off your own fat stores so won’t need the added energy from your food.

(You've tried everything else; why not try bacon?) #2

You need a reasonable amount of protein, neither too much nor too little, because too much and too little both cause health problems. Remember that most foods that contain protein are only part protein. Take me, for instance. I figure my lean body mass is around 65 kilos, which means I want to eat around 65 grams of protein a day. Well, one Web site I looked at says that steak (for example) is 25% protein, which means that I could around 260 grams of steak a day, if steak were going to be my only source of protein. The rest of my calories would come from the fat in which I grilled my steak, from my salad dressing, and so on. I will want to eat enough fat so that I won’t get hungry between meals.

Of course, I’m not likely to get all my 65 grams of protein from steak, because I also love bacon, eggs, cheese, and other protein sources. But you get the idea.

I hope that answered your question.