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PROTEIN


Annik

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Hello. I am embarking on a CR practice after an absence of about 12 years. I am a 60 year-old female, weigh 125 lbs., and  have a history of VERY high cholesterol in spite of a lifetime of conscientious and healthy eating. (It is definitely genetic and I am on a prescribed statin.)

I will eat approximately 1000 calories per day, as I did previously, and I have a mostly vegetable diet (steamed) but also consume a lot of blueberries. Here's my inquiry: How much protein do I actually need? My sources of protein are fish, occasional free-range chicken or grass-fed beef, and steamed tofu.

And, btw - I enjoy my red wine - 1-2 glasses a day -- SO, that doesn't leave a hell of a lot of room, does it?😑 

Any comments or suggestions are appreciated and a big hello to everyone.

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13 hours ago, Annik said:

...

Any comments or suggestions are appreciated and a big hello to everyone.

I'd get Cronometer as a first step (I think the subscription version is well worth it), plus a good food scale (if you use spices, get one that is accurate to 0.1g).

Then start measuring everything you consume during the day, using the large government databases preferably, rather that the brand-specific items users or brands have provided -- it will give you a better idea not only of overall protein, but also of individual amino acids and other nutrients.

This is totally anecdotal, but I did an experiment last year, by trying to balance my Omega-3 and Omega-6 intake (using Cronometer) and cutting out added fats like olive oil, which I consumed in relatively large quantities.  So, by getting my fat mostly from raw nuts, avocado and grains (predominantly flax, because of its high Omega-3 content), I am consistently below 1:2 Omega-6 toOmega-3.  My cholesterol went from being in the mid 170s (before it was just under 200), to the low 150s in a few months, with LDL and HDL being virtually 1:1.

Does this mean anything with respect to you, or for my overall health?  Maybe, maybe not, but I am satisfied and continuing on this course.  Some here would vehemently disagree on the olive oil, for example.

The bottom line is, track changes you make, test and see what the effects are for you.

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23 minutes ago, Ron Put said:

I'd get Cronometer as a first step (I think the subscription version is well worth it), plus a good food scale (if you use spices, get one that is accurate to 0.1g).

Then start measuring everything you consume during the day, using the large government databases preferably, rather that the brand-specific items users or brands have provided -- it will give you a better idea not only of overall protein, but also of individual amino acids and other nutrients.

This is totally anecdotal, but I did an experiment last year, by trying to balance my Omega-3 and Omega-6 intake (using Cronometer) and cutting out added fats like olive oil, which I consumed in relatively large quantities.  So, by getting my fat mostly from raw nuts, avocado and grains (predominantly flax, because of its high Omega-3 content), I am consistently below 1:2 Omega-6 toOmega-3.  My cholesterol went from being in the mid 170s (before it was just under 200), to the low 150s in a few months, with LDL and HDL being virtually 1:1.

Does this mean anything with respect to you, or for my overall health?  Maybe, maybe not, but I am satisfied and continuing on this course.  Some here would vehemently disagree on the olive oil, for example.

The bottom line is, track changes you make, test and see what the effects are for you.

Thank you very much for your reply. I will look into Cronometer. 

As far as olive oil is concerned, I love great olive oil but use it sparingly, mostly as a finishing oil. One of my favorite dishes is a low-carb, high-protein, high fiber pasta which I order (Nooda) and toss it with homemade marinara sauce, then finish it with a little high-quality EVOO and a little grating of Reggiano and some cracked pepper. All under 200 calories and containing 22 grams of protein! I enjoy that with a small green salad and a glass of red wine.

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On 6/4/2020 at 11:21 AM, Annik said:

I will eat approximately 1000 calories per day, as I did previously,

1000 kCals average per day sounds definitely on the low side, it may trigger energy-saving metabolic reactions (homeostatic bodyweight setpoints). But maybe in the past you have noticed that that's not too bad. Protein: you must make sure you are hitting the RDAs for essential aminoacids, and cronometer, as told, is the best tool for that. From the quality of your protein foods that shouldn't be so difficult. But again, since you are not a very small person, I would start with a higher calorie daily average, then try to go down progressively, maybe saving a cheat day per week.

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5 hours ago, mccoy said:

1000 kCals average per day sounds definitely on the low side, it may trigger energy-saving metabolic reactions (homeostatic bodyweight setpoints). But maybe in the past you have noticed that that's not too bad. Protein: you must make sure you are hitting the RDAs for essential aminoacids, and cronometer, as told, is the best tool for that. From the quality of your protein foods that shouldn't be so difficult. But again, since you are not a very small person, I would start with a higher calorie daily average, then try to go down progressively, maybe saving a cheat day per week.

As I've said, I've done this before (about 15 years ago) and 900-1200 kCals was always just about right. I don't even feel deprived - my body just seems to settle into that without much effort. I will also go outside of this at times - special days, a favorite restaurant -- I try not to get too neurotic about it. 

I'll purchase cronometer at some point just to check myself against it. 

I'm thinking of doing the Longo Prolon fast every few months as well. I'm wondering if anyone here has experience with it.

I remember once reading that Lisa Wolford subsisted on 600 kCals (this was 15 years ago.) I haven't followed up with her progress. (I was on the CR Forum back then but I'm not sure if this is the same forum. I don't recognize any names.)

I appreciate your feedback however, McCoy. I'm sure the field has evolved since 15 years ago!

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Hi Annik!

15 years ago, we had three CRSociety mailing lists; the forums hadn't yet been formed.

Also, by all means get CronOMeter -- it's free.  (It's also available with additional bells and whistles for a small fee.)

  --  Saul

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Thank you Saul and Todd Allen. I realized that I already have an account. It says I have a BMI of 20.9, which really surprised me.

My eating pattern is so intuitive that it will be a challenge for me to record amounts (a teaspoon of this, a teaspoon of that.) But I will do it once I settle into this a little more. It will be interesting.

 

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13 minutes ago, Saul said:

Hi Annik!

15 years ago, we had three CRSociety mailing lists; the forums hadn't yet been formed.

Also, by all means get CronOMeter -- it's free.  (It's also available with additional bells and whistles for a small fee.)

  --  Saul

This was an interactive forum, much like this one. I think you're right - CRSociety didn't have one yet. I just don't remember the name of the forum.☹️ I was good  (online) friends with a guy who called himself Stickfigure. He was very funny.

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1 hour ago, Dean Pomerleau said:

Francesca Skelton. Sadly she passed away in 2013 at age 73. Here is an article with quotes from Francesca and several people currently on this forum from 2004:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A64170-2004May3.html

--Dean 

Thank you for that. I don't remember her - she died at a relatively young age. That's a shame.☹️

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4 hours ago, Annik said:

'm thinking of doing the Longo Prolon fast every few months as well. I'm wondering if anyone here has experience with it.

I'm apparently the Longo's FMD jock here! FMD meaning Fast-mimicking-diet. There is a specific thread on the home-made FMD, whereas the prolon package is probably more convenient, although relatively expensive.

 

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