Registered Dietician Says Something About Something. As Usual, They’re Wrong.
A reader of my blog (thanks Courtney) sent me a link to this article from MSN Health & Fitness a few days ago titled “9 Fitness Rules You Should Break”. According to her, it’s designed for maximum eye-stabbage, and I couldn’t agree more.
I think I counted at least 37 things in the article that made me want to jump into a shark’s mouth. But I do have to say that the statement that took me over the edge was this:
While it’s true that protein is a vital muscle food, your body can only use so much of it. “Any extra protein calories you take in will be stored as fat,” says Molly Morgan, R.D., owner of Creative Nutrition Solutions in Vestal, New York. “As a general rule, remember that 20 percent of your calories should come from protein. So if you’re eating an 1,800-calorie diet, try to shoot for a maximum of 360 calories, or 90 grams, of protein each day. Low-fat milk and cheese, broccoli, and chicken are all good sources of lean protein.”
First of all, I despise blanket statements such as “any extra protein calories you take in will be stored as fat.” if you’re ingesting more calories than you’re expending then any extra calories of anything will be stored as fat; I don’t care if it’s carrots. Assuming that the 1,800 calorie diet above is at a deficit, how is it possible that any extra calories coming from protein will be stored as fat? Hello McFly!?!
Secondly, I hate basing diets off of percentages. I’d much rather base macronutrient “needs” off of a gram value based off of one’s current (or even desired) bodyweight. It’s a lot less hassle, and a bit more realistic for people to follow. Thirdly, since when is broccoli a good source of protein? I think my shower curtain has more protein in it than broccoli. Then again, Ms. Morgan’s company is called Creative Nutrition Solutions, so does this really surprise anyone?
