Protein vs. Calories

[BigJuice777]

This might be a simple question for some... but I don't know the answer

Lets use me as an example.... 33 yo, 5'10, 185lb, 10% bf. As a general rule, I understand that if you dramatically increase your calories but lag in the protein department... you'll probably just end up putting on a ton of fat.

But how about the opposite? What would happen to someone who is eating steak and slamming protein shakes all day but aren't getting the calories needed to gain weight?

For instance - 4000 calories per day with 100g protein = probably result in an excess of fat.
Now - 1500 calories per day with 300g protein = ? What would happen? Stay the same relative weight? Lose weight but get more defined?

Thanks for your help!!

[cerealkiller326]

I'm just assuming that this would fall under the "high protein low carb diet"

Low carb diets tend to be lower in calories because you eliminate most foods that are calorie dense and high in sugar. Consuming less refined products leads to more stable insulin and blood sugar levels, which reduces cravings and promotes weight loss. Higher protein diets induce ketosis, a situation in which the body turns to fat stores for energy because of the depletion of carbohydrate stores.

Though if you lift heavy I would imagine your energy level is brought down due to virtually no carb source in your system. Regardless I would think you would shed fat and gain definition.

[X83]

Here are some good threads about dieting.

http://forums.steroid.com/showthread.php?t=113010
http://forums.steroid.com/showthread.php?t=75729
http://forums.steroid.com/showthread.php?t=143553

[Damienm05]

Well, let me clear something up first and foremost. Eating a lot of calories but not having a high intake of lean meat and other protein sources, you can still make big gains. I mean, if you were to eat 5000 calories a day from mainly carb sources, nuts, and such - there'd be 200g of protein in there somewhere. So yes, you'd get fat due to the composition of your calories in part but composition aside, the calories would be a larger issue.

With that said, we can use the same logic towards your question. Your calories are comprised mainly of lean protein, which is the building material for all active mass on your body, however, due to the fact that your calories are so low - you will only lose muscle mass. This is largely because, since you're not consuming energy sources (carbs/fats), that protein will end up being converted to glycogen in a long and far less efficient process called gluconeogenisis. In terms of preference for fuel, the body wants simple carbs to burn first, complex carbs sustained, fats, and then finally, only when needed, protein. So, when this last resort comes into effect, none of that protein will be available for muscle recovery - it will simply be converted. Thus, you end up with a far efficient system for creating energy to fuel you workouts, the amino acids aren't readily available for repairing the lean tissue damaged during said workouts, and you're hindering you bodily functions without enough carbs and fats to fuel brain function, decrease inflammation, lubricate the digestive tract, etc. I could go on forever.

To directly answer your question using the example of 1500 calories with 300g of protein - You'd lose body fat, muscle, energy, and largely reduce metabolic capabilities. Protein only dieting is a big no-no in this game and that's why keto diets exist. If it's an interesting concept to you, do a search on them.

[BigJuice777]

Well, let me clear something up first and foremost. Eating a lot of calories but not having a high intake of lean meat and other protein sources, you can still make big gains. I mean, if you were to eat 5000 calories a day from mainly carb sources, nuts, and such - there'd be 200g of protein in there somewhere. So yes, you'd get fat due to the composition of your calories in part but composition aside, the calories would be a larger issue.

With that said, we can use the same logic towards your question. Your calories are comprised mainly of lean protein, which is the building material for all active mass on your body, however, due to the fact that your calories are so low - you will only lose muscle mass. This is largely because, since you're not consuming energy sources (carbs/fats), that protein will end up being converted to glycogen in a long and far less efficient process called gluconeogenisis. In terms of preference for fuel, the body wants simple carbs to burn first, complex carbs sustained, fats, and then finally, only when needed, protein. So, when this last resort comes into effect, none of that protein will be available for muscle recovery - it will simply be converted. Thus, you end up with a far efficient system for creating energy to fuel you workouts, the amino acids aren't readily available for repairing the lean tissue damaged during said workouts, and you're hindering you bodily functions without enough carbs and fats to fuel brain function, decrease inflammation, lubricate the digestive tract, etc. I could go on forever.

To directly answer your question using the example of 1500 calories with 300g of protein - You'd lose body fat, muscle, energy, and largely reduce metabolic capabilities. Protein only dieting is a big no-no in this game and that's why keto diets exist. If it's an interesting concept to you, do a search on them.

That is exactly the answer I was looking for. Thanks so much

[gbrice75]

Well, let me clear something up first and foremost. Eating a lot of calories but not having a high intake of lean meat and other protein sources, you can still make big gains. I mean, if you were to eat 5000 calories a day from mainly carb sources, nuts, and such - there'd be 200g of protein in there somewhere. So yes, you'd get fat due to the composition of your calories in part but composition aside, the calories would be a larger issue.

With that said, we can use the same logic towards your question. Your calories are comprised mainly of lean protein, which is the building material for all active mass on your body, however, due to the fact that your calories are so low - you will only lose muscle mass. This is largely because, since you're not consuming energy sources (carbs/fats), that protein will end up being converted to glycogen in a long and far less efficient process called gluconeogenisis. In terms of preference for fuel, the body wants simple carbs to burn first, complex carbs sustained, fats, and then finally, only when needed, protein. So, when this last resort comes into effect, none of that protein will be available for muscle recovery - it will simply be converted. Thus, you end up with a far efficient system for creating energy to fuel you workouts, the amino acids aren't readily available for repairing the lean tissue damaged during said workouts, and you're hindering you bodily functions without enough carbs and fats to fuel brain function, decrease inflammation, lubricate the digestive tract, etc. I could go on forever.

To directly answer your question using the example of 1500 calories with 300g of protein - You'd lose body fat, muscle, energy, and largely reduce metabolic capabilities. Protein only dieting is a big no-no in this game and that's why keto diets exist. If it's an interesting concept to you, do a search on them.

Bingo!!!

[Darell55]

This might be a simple question for some... but I don't know the answer

Lets use me as an example.... 33 yo, 5'10, 185lb, 10% bf. As a general rule, I understand that if you dramatically increase your calories but lag in the protein department... you'll probably just end up putting on a ton of fat.

But how about the opposite? What would happen to someone who is eating steak and slamming protein shakes all day but aren't getting the calories needed to gain weight?

For instance - 4000 calories per day with 100g protein = probably result in an excess of fat.
Now - 1500 calories per day with 300g protein = ? What would happen? Stay the same relative weight? Lose weight but get more defined?

Thanks for your help!!

hi,,,
Relating to your first assumption."Low protein and high fat are not truly opposite".A fat has more calories mostly as compare to the protein.Taking about second one the general role is high protein and low carb.Fat is required in certain amount by the body and more could leads you to obesity.More calories to gain size and strength ,less calories for cut and condition.
Baltimore fitness

[jngymrat]

I second your bingo gb. Good response damien.

[Times Roman]

This might be a simple question for some... but I don't know the answer

Lets use me as an example.... 33 yo, 5'10, 185lb, 10% bf. As a general rule, I understand that if you dramatically increase your calories but lag in the protein department... you'll probably just end up putting on a ton of fat.

But how about the opposite? What would happen to someone who is eating steak and slamming protein shakes all day but aren't getting the calories needed to gain weight?

For instance - 4000 calories per day with 100g protein = probably result in an excess of fat.
Now - 1500 calories per day with 300g protein = ? What would happen? Stay the same relative weight? Lose weight but get more defined?

Thanks for your help!!

less calories = assume below BMR = lose weight.
(this almost seems the answer is too simple and I'm missing something here?)

[MACHINE5150]

Out of personal experience i can assure you that carbs are just as important as protein when it comes to bulking. I do not like carbs.. i hate vegetables, potatoes anything that doesn't bleed.. When bulking if i do not eat a lot of carbs i will not see any gains because i won't get my calories where i need them to be. My TDEE is around 3500. the thing is this.. if you have a 1/4 lber burger.. there are just as many calories in the bun (30g of carbs) as there are in the meat (30g of protein) (assuming it is 99% fat free).. but what is easier to eat?? you could probably fit 10 buns into you, but only two or three burger patties.. IF YOU ARE NOT CONSUMING ENOUGH CARBS, YOUR BODY WILL SACRIFICE THE INGESTED PROTEIN TO MAKE UP FOR THE LACK OF AVAILABLE ENERGY.

[Times Roman]

Out of personal experience i can assure you that carbs are just as important as protein when it comes to bulking. I do not like carbs.. i hate vegetables, potatoes anything that doesn't bleed.. When bulking if i do not eat a lot of carbs i will not see any gains because i won't get my calories where i need them to be. My TDEE is around 3500. the thing is this.. if you have a 1/4 lber burger.. there are just as many calories in the bun (30g of carbs) as there are in the meat (30g of protein) (assuming it is 99% fat free).. but what is easier to eat?? you could probably fit 10 buns into you, but only two or three burger patties.. IF YOU ARE NOT CONSUMING ENOUGH CARBS, YOUR BODY WILL SACRIFICE THE INGESTED PROTEIN TO MAKE UP FOR THE LACK OF AVAILABLE ENERGY.

huh?

your body will metabolize the easiest thing first, which is always carbs, then protein/fat. If no carbs (I know, you said "not enough"), then this will force your body to metabolize protein/fat. And if your body is metabolizing fat, it won't be laying down additional fat. This is the basis of the ketonic diet, more or less... for now, let's just skip the induction phase piece.

My point is, I haven't heard anything about a body sacraficing protein if not enough carbs.

Where did you hear that? Or did I just misunderstand?