November/December weight management challenge

[Catrin]

I don't disagree with you that unused protein will ultimately get stored as fat, but any excess calorie will do that. Does it matter whether those calories come from protein or carb?

I think it does matter - my diet is pretty restrictive as it is and I keep a close watch on my calories. I typically do not exceed 1,400 calories a day unless it is a long-ride day or other activities that are more intense than what has become my norm. I don't think it is about protein vs carbs, but about the entire nutritional balance.

If my body isn't using the extra protein because of a change in activity level (say I've backed off on weight lifting because of my neck injury) then it would be better to cut back on the protein and replace those calories with something like dark green veggies - nutrient rich/low calories. I need high protein for blood-sugar management, but there is some room to work with there. All of my protein sources are good quality lean sources like skinless chicken and non-fat dairy, along with egg whites and quinoia. My endocrinologist and dietitian both want me to get a from 90-140 grams of protein daily. So it is a balance.

I've been told I would do well to increase my calorie intake, but when I do that I also gain weight, so I am not going to do that I am not comfortable with decreasing my caloric intake, even with my injury I am pretty active...