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by It's always interested me there is no percentage listed next to the protein value on Nutrition Facts labels. The values of other items, such as "Total Fat" or "Total Carb," are listed based on an assumed caloric intake - usually 2,000 calories, or so. When it comes to protein, however, there is nothing. Even obvious percentages (e.g., corresponding to 0g protein in bottled water) are omitted.
While waiting for a smoothie at Smoothie King the other day, though, I examined the back of a random protein bar and saw a percentage value was present. Curious, I checked the protein powder tubs and saw it was also listed there. "That makes sense." I thought. "They're selling a product based on its protein content."
But wait, does it really make sense? Does an aspiring body-builder need to know the protein content more than an average joe? Is protein content not a part of diet planning just like carbohydrates or fats? Given the volume of online information on the subject, it is obvious a percentage could be calculated. Why not include it?
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With the obesity problems confounding America today, it's a wonder we still use any of these Nutrition Facts labels.
I have family members that have been doing the Weight Watchers Flex plan for quite some time, and it is a pretty neat system that works with portion sizing based on your body type and current weight. Something as simple as a point system similar to the Weight Watchers Flex Plan would make so much more sense to the average joe than nutrition labels simply because it would break down all the big numbers of things such as calories, fat, and dietary fiber and simplify it into a single number. Maybe the FDA could come up with a similar plan and just stamp food stuffs with a number....like 2 points for a certain type of cookie. With the Weight Watchers Flex plan, your total daily points is based off your height, weight and activity level. Although it is definitely not the "be all, end all" of dieting, I've known very few people to find it unsuccessful.
If you're curious to look into it click here
Something as simple as a point system similar to the Weight Watchers Flex Plan would make so much more sense to the average joe than nutrition labels simply because it would break down all the big numbers of things such as calories, fat, and dietary fiber and simplify it into a single number.
It would be simpler, but it might oversimplify. In other words, it might lead to people scaling their intakes in a manner that did not result in a balanced diet.
The nearest food box to me, a cereal box, says it contains 25% RDA of Vitamin C, 6% RDA of calories, and 17% RDA of calcium. You'd need 6 servings to get to your RDA of Calcium, 4 servings to get your RDA of Vitamin C, and 17 servings to get your RDA of calories. If you simplified the numbers to "25 out of 100", someone eating 4 servings would get "100 out of 100" and their RDA of Vitamin C, but they'd get less than their RDA of calcium, and far less than their RDA of calories.
I see what you're saying, but even your example is still to difficult to care about for the "average joe" in my average joe opinion. Honestly, I'm curious who out there really tracks how much vitamin C and calcium and taurine (you Monster drink lovers) you take in daily, weekly, yearly, et al? I know this is OmniNerd and there may be somebody out there, but I'd be willing to bet money that even the resident nutrition buff, Brandon, doesn't even get that picky.
The other cool thing about the Flex Plan that I didn't mention because it was additional minutia at the time, is the emphasis placed on eating a certain amount of servings that count toward different food groups such as dairy, vegetable, fruit, etc. Like you said above, you wouldn't want to result in an unbalanced diet of (just for the sake of example) 16 cookies a day at 2 points a piece equalling your daily allowance of 32 points....that would not be very balanced.
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Rules of Thumb by AnonBCA :: NR6 :: 6 days ago
I think that challenge with calculating protein as a daily percentage is that it is metabolized completely different based on the state of your body. The amount of protein you need is largely based on how much you weigh. Now, when you work out (consistently) your body metabolizes protein differently...the rule of thumb for average body builders is 1.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight with your largest consumption of protein during your day being directly after working out. Your body can only metabolize about 30-40 grams of protein at a time at best. (Which is why you see portions around that size recommended on the back of the kegs of protein powder)
Still, there is a lot that has yet to be understood...we know that it's a "building block" but there have been studies showing it could provide energy (which is why I think they're offering it in sports drinks now) and therefore its really tough to see how much is actually needed.
General rule of thumb (if you're an average guy or gal who isnt a gym-rat) is about 50-75% of your bodyweight up to 200 lbs.