Protein/carb/fat percentage for vegetarian...

[Chrittyg]

I am a vegetarian and in Phase 1 of P90X and I'm finding it impossible to get to 50% protein, even with vegetarian protien subsistutes. Mainly, because all of the substitutes also contain carbs that raise the carb percentage along with the protein percentage. I would find it a lot easier to just stay under my target calories and focus on getting a lot of protein, whether the ratios are exact or not. Right now, I am more at 35% protein, 40% carbs, and 25% fat and I feel like I am really focusing on getting my veggie protein (veggie meat substitutes, egg whites, protein drinks, beans, tofu). Can I be successful with this focus, or is there something else I should be doing?

[dhoyt86]

At the end of the day, the number one way to lose weight is to take in fewer calories than you burn. Obviously, you want to do this while eating as nutritionally-sound of a diet as possible. There are some things you can do that would "optimize" your weight loss, but if you are at a calorie deficit, you will lose your weight. If you are eating healthy whole foods, and pressing play every day, you will see amazing results. As corny, cheesy, and over-used as it sounds, just do your best, and forget everything else. Whatever nutrition plan or food plan you choose is pointless if you can't stick to it. The key is finding something you can live with, and sticking with it! Good luck with everything!

And by the way, I haven't done the macro analysis, but it looks like your macros would put you right in the "Endurance Maximizer" phase of P90X, as having a very balanced diet.

[JimNAZ]

Hey Christy, if you worry too much about this then the journey will not be fun. We are not meant to be perfect. Trying your best makes it easier to get to that 80/20 or 90/10 rule of eating good. No one can get it exact!

Stay focused on what you are eating but try not to get frustrated too much. Maybe in time your body will help you figure out what is the best for you. Also, just a thought . . . but what type of carbs are getting you to 40%. I know you cannot change what is in a protein powder etc but are you eating a lot of bread items? Or maybe something else you can elliminate some of that to drop it down. (??)

Jim

[Chrittyg]

Thanks guys. I think I am just overthinking this right now! I just figured if I spent the money and I'm working so hard on the workouts, I don't want there to be any excuses if I don't get the results I want at the end, so I'm trying to iron out the kinks in the nutrition the best I can. I am happy with eating under 1800 calories (I am a Level 1), and with the workouts, there is definitely a calorie deficit, so I'm sure I will see results. The carbs that are getting me to 40% are vegetarian chicken patties, apples, hummus, yogurt. I should get the veggie chicken patties without the breaded outsides (or peal it off) and could probably get yogurt with lower sugar. I also eat a Kashi granola bar as a morning snack - that's not helping. I feel like I'm eating really healthy and below my calorie target, but just not at the ratios. Before starting this program, I didn't realize how many carbs were in so many foods that we eat!

Thanks again for the great advise.