Urgh

My nutritionist emailed me about an updated picture I sent her, and added: "How has eating a little less protein worked so far?"

I'm having a very emotional day, so I didn't reply. 

I know I barked about this last week. Nevertheless, I am still adamant that our assessment of what my protein intake should be are off. She came to the conclusion I should be at no more than 90 grams of protein because I'm 5'11 and not an average build.

Hey...I'm 5'11 and I'm not built like an average woman...really? I work out. I don't work out like Paul or Dan The Man. But I am telling you, I don't function well on 90 grams of protein. I think whatever I'm doing is working because although the scale isn't flying out the window, I've lost mega inches and still am. I kinda like what I see. 

Is this stuff set in stone? I read and hear about women who are told to have anywhere from 65-80 grams of protein...and they be a lot shorter than I am. What about the guys? Do they automatically get an increase for chromosonal differences?

WHERE does all this come from? WHO decides it's "this" way? 

(sigh)

No, it's not set in stone.  You can ask your dietician (you are seeing a registered dietician, not an unregulated nutritionist, right?) where she is getting that number.

The ASMBS suggest 1.1 gram protein per kilogram ideal body weight, which works out to about half your goal weight in protein.

However, in the end you should go by your labs.  What was your protein level last time you had labs done?

Far as I know she's registered. I'll have to look for the form from my last lab results.  I think I have it at home. Otherwise, I'll have to call them to ask. I do know he's always commented on protein on the labs that's it's well above fine.

I know that doesn't answer the question.

And the ASMBS suggestion would be .... 85g. Poop.

All that does not mean more protein will hurt you if you feel better with more protein.

I say eat more protein since you don't function well on 90 grams. There will always be variances in what a person needs. Her reasoning is incomplete. She is basing this on your height and build. I think there needs to be more scientific fact rather than a general rule of thumb.

this may help but it is for a regular person not RnYer.
My surgeon always said 80 to 120 grams but if you kidney or gout problems it may be much different.

How to Calculate Your Protein Needs:

1. Weight in pounds divided by 2.2 = weight in kg
2. Weight in kg x 0.8-1.8 gm/kg = protein gm.

Use a lower number if you are in good health and are sedentary (i.e., 0.8). Use a higher number (between 1 and 1.8) if you are under stress, are pregnant, are recovering from an illness, or if you are involved in consistent and intense weight or endurance training.

Example: 154 lb male who is a regular exerciser and lifts weights
154 lbs/2.2 = 70kg
70kg x 1.5 = 105 gm protein/day

Calculating Protein as a Percentage of Total Calories

Another way to calculate how much protein you need is by using daily calorie intake and the percentage of calories that will come from protein. To do this, you'll need to know how many calories your body needs each day.

First, find out what your Basal Metabolic Rate is by using a BMR calculator.

Next, figure out how many calories you burn through daily activity and add that number to your BMR. This gives you an estimate of how many calories you need to maintain your current weight.

After you've figured out your maintenance calories, next figure out what percentage of your diet will come from protein. The percentage you choose will be based on your goals, fitness level, age, body type and metabolic rate. Most experts recommend that your protein intake be somewhere between 15 and 30%. When you've determined your desired percentage of protein, multiply that percentage by the total number of calories for the day.

Example:
For a 140lb female, calorie intake=1800 calories, protein=20%:
1800 x .20 = 360 calories from protein. Since 1 gram of protein = 4 calories, divide protein calories by four:
360/4 = 90 grams of protein per day.

No matter what your calculations are, remember that there are no magic foods or supplements that can replace the right training and the right diet. The foundation of any program, whether your goal is to lose weight or gain muscle, is a combination of strength training and a healthy diet that includes carbs, with a balance of protein and fat.
http://exercise.about.com/cs/nutrition/a/protein_2.htm

Wow!  Thank you!

Hattie