protein problem :P

Ughh! So far today I've only had ~2000 calories, and I like to aim for 3500 or a little under. I think it's because I ate so much protein today! (Main sources are three cups of cottage cheese and two cups of Greek yogurt, which come to think of it are also both really rich and creamy. Could that be a factor?) My nutritionist thought that I wasn't getting enough protein (60-80 grams usually), so she told me to work on that. But I ate more than double that today, and I know I have so much to make up tonight but I'm sooo stuffed!!!

So my questions are:
-How much protein do you eat/should you eat, and what is your height/weight/calorie/activity level?
-Any suggestions as to how much protein I should be eating? I've heard about 80 grams, but apparently that's not right. (5'5" female at ~100 lbs, no exercise, not even weight-lifting which I know I should do and feel guilty about.)

Blech. Just general encouragement would be awesome, too. I feel so bad and the thought of food is really making me sick right now! *I love you guys!*

Hi! 

I was looking at your profile and noticed that we share almost identical stats! lol. I'm 16 (17 in one month) and am 5'5". My doctor's goal weight for me is also 111. Right now I'm at 96/97.

I don't exercise either, just go for a walk outside when I feel like it and sometimes a little bike ride (but not lately). My nutritionist has me on a meal plan with 8 proteins a day (that is 8 one ounce servings).  I know I probably don't get that much protein, but I think I usually have around 5-7 proteins? I don't know how much help this is but I hope it gives you a better idea.

Just a tip (maybe you are already doing this)--- greek yogurts and cottage cheese are great, but if you need more calories, try the full fat versions.  They don't really taste any different and they have more calories! Good Luck, and feel free to message me!

Alexandra =) <3 

Hey blueberry

Im a 5'6'' male and I weigh about 125-130 lbs.  I usually work out 5 days a week and I work construction for 8 hours a day.  My daily protien intake is usually around 150-180 grams.  I do lift weights and etc. 

My advice is don't worry about massive protien intake. Just drink lots of water or other fluids to help your kidneys out.  Cause high protein diets are bad on the kidneys.  I usually drink over a gallon of water a day because of it.  But then again Im no dr. so Im in no place to be giving nutrition advice. Good luck

thanks to both of you! um... i managed to get up to my 3000, but only just. alexandra, that's so cool that we share the same stats! also pretty close to the same amount of exercise. (i'll walk 1-2 once or twice a week for pleasure and haven't started riding my bike again only because my neighborhood is really hilly, but i will soon.) i'll keep what you said about your protein intake in mind. 

the average person only needs .8 grams per kg of body weight. if you notice in most macronutrient range recommendations protein is always the least unless someone has specific training goals. our bodies don't require very much. 1 gram per 2 pounds should be sufficient, so at 100 pounds you only NEED 50 grams...the thing is that when gaining the calorie goals are higher so in order to get into the 15-25% range for proteins you would be well over 50 grams, since 25% would be about 875 calories and there are 4 calories per gram of protein so that would be 218 grams of protein....so basically you have to throw the ranges out the window and try to meet your caloric intake...i think your levels were fine before and if you communicate to your nutritionist that you can't meet your calorie goals if you increase your protein levels i'm sure she will understand but i suspect that the macronutrient ranges are the reason she suggested you make the increase. with 15% protein you would need 525 calories from protein (on a 3500 calorie plan) which would be 131 grams...this would be MORE THAN enough for your tiny frame and even fall within the recommended range. i hope this helps and i think with you needing to gain the primary concern is going to be calories...

i hope that helped!! congrats on wanting to get well, it does get easier and putting on weight is so liberating when you see all of the benefits it brings! if you have any questions feel free to message me. i've gone through the entire gaining process and i understand that it can be a challenge.

Hi! apparently, eating protein in the form of meat rather than dairy is better for someone who is trying to gain because dairy keeps you fuller for longr than meat (like tuna etcc) so maybe try varying your protein intake. Meats can be lower calroies, so just add dressings!

that sounds like a good idea. thanks for the advice! unfortunately i'm vegetarian (has nothing to do with anorexia, i've been anorexic for a ~ 1 year and vegetarian for ~ 9 years) so i have to look for protein elsewhere. and for me, the soy/veggie meat products are even more filling! :P

When I was in recovery AND current -as an athlete- my nutritionist told me ~80 grams of protein. 

I honestly think, unless you're large male or bodybuilder >100grams in unnecessary and puts too much stress on kidneys. There's only so much protein a body can process at a time. 

Nuts! Excellent source of protein, high calorie content. Don't forget about whole grains ( 1/3 cup of oat bran has 7g protein) - they contain a fair amount of protein and are also higher-calorie. Beans are great too - you can up the calories for that by tossing them in olive oil and pairing them with rice or a whole wheat tortilla and some cheese. Same thing with tofu - stir-fry it up in some olive oil, add some salad dressing, coat it in crushed nuts, etc. 

And as already mentioned, use whole fat dairy products so you get more bang for your buck.