Weight-Loss Questions on protein

[SonofJorEl]

OK...I have two specific questions that I could not find answers for in any of the stickies..so hopefully I didn't just miss them.


1. When calculating the amount of protein one needs in order to help preserve muscle during dieting (in addition to weightlifting) the amount of protein seems to be about 1.5 grams per lb. of lean body weight (i.e. muscle)...

Calculating that amount of lean body weight is where one of my questions comes in..

I now weigh 237 lbs. and have a body fat % of about 25%. So, if I take 25% of 237 I get 59 lbs. of fat (237 x .25 = 59.25)

Now....in order to determine what of my remaining weight is actually lean muscle wouldn't I have to subtract off weight for skin, bone, blood, organs, etc from 237...and THEN subtract from that difference the 59 lbs. of fat?

So something like 237 lbs (total body weight) - 30 lbs (just throwing a random number in there for bone, skin, blood, organs, etc...I have NO idea at this point) which would equal 207 lbs...and then from THAT subtract the 59 lbs. of body fat from my calculated percentage.....which would be 148 actual lbs. of lean muscle...meaning then 1.5 or so grams of protein multiplied by 148 lbs. of muscle for needed protein intake..



2. As for consumption of protein...I've heard and read (can't remember where) that your body cannot "handle" more than 20 grams or so protein at a time...so if you're consuming more than that you actually end up shipping the excess out via waste...

Anybody give me some advice/information in these two areas?

Thanks...

 

[Steve]

1. You are splitting hairs. It's not going to make a difference. If you're more comfortable, go for 1 gram per pound of goal weight.

2. That's a myth.

 

[SonofJorEl]

1. Ha ha Steve...that's kind of what I was thinking after I posted the thread..

Good to know....1 gram per lb of target body weight is clean and simple..

2. Ok...thanks, that makes it easier because then I don't have to worry about "stretching" 42 gram protein shakes into two 21 gram shakes across the morning and afternoon..

 

[hararayne]

Math Problem

If 25% is your body fat percentage, then your lean muscle/bone/organs should equal 177.75 lbs, approximately.

As a male, you at freakish health nut marathon runner health should have at least 4% bodyfat.
If you kept all your lean mass this should put you at 184 lbs (only about 7lbs of fat!)


As for your actual question, I know nothing. Thats actually why I checked out your post. haha

Have a great day!
Hara