# Question about weightlifting and nutrition - help an old man out **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 27, 2025, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-weightlifting-and-nutrition-help-an-old-man-out/1018860 "2025-05-27T15:23:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 9\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![mozchron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c2a13f/32.png) [@mozchron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mozchron)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2025, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-weightlifting-and-nutrition-help-an-old-man-out/1018860/41 "2025-05-28T21:12:01Z")
Thanks all. For the record, my spouse has been vegetarian for 40 years, and my kid vegetarian from birth. We don’t eat processed crap on a regular basis - we cook. Until I talk to a specialist, I’m going to try and increase my protein intake but i’m not going to be crazy about tracking every gram. Sounds like i’m in the ballpark if nothing else. ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2025, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-weightlifting-and-nutrition-help-an-old-man-out/1018860/42 "2025-05-28T21:12:29Z")
Yes, and I’ve had my share of that (bad nutrition advice coming from doctors — although in their case, they admitted to not knowing much right off the bat). Regardless, this isn’t a topic I’m a subject matter expert in, and it’s not something I have much more to say on, beyond what I already did (just that there’s a lot of confusing research and propaganda, and it’s hard to know what to believe). Whether that’s worth any additional worrying, research, or consultation is entirely up to the OP. I don’t think it ever hurts to consult with a nutrition professional (or just lifestyle coaching from certified professionals in general), but I also wouldn’t lose sleep over it. As you said, unnecessary worry isn’t good either 🙂 If the OP can find some balance of a good lifestyle, exercise, and diet, regardless of the specifics, they are already doing much better than most. On that we absolutely agree. Whether they want to further fine-tune it isn’t something I can decide for them, and in that regard, a doctor’s professional experience seeing various patient outcomes over the years IS worth something! ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2025, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-weightlifting-and-nutrition-help-an-old-man-out/1018860/43 "2025-05-28T22:43:06Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > Analyzing every gram and worrying about every new media clickable is IMHO being worried well. And it isn’t healthy to worry so much! 😀 I agree. My wife and I exercise a lot with weight training, stretching, and multiple versions of cardio every week (walking, hiking, running, cycling and occasional swimming - I really need to learn to swim better). We try to eat healthy and avoid ultra-processed foods and dining out (fast food in particular). I’m mid-50s and don’t worry about how much protein I ingest. I would guess I get enough. I’m strong, can run 5 miles at 9:00 minute pace, can hike 12-15 miles, and can cycle for hours. I hadn’t been to a doctor for a few years so I did earlier this year and my blood tests came back great. I don’t worry about it. I don’t see a reason to see a nutrition expert. > [@Reply](#): > > If the OP can find some balance of a good lifestyle, exercise, and diet, regardless of the specifics, they are already doing much better than most. Bingo! ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2025, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-weightlifting-and-nutrition-help-an-old-man-out/1018860/44 "2025-05-28T22:58:34Z")
> [@mozchron](#): > > Until I talk to a specialist, I’m going to try and increase my protein intake but i’m not going to be crazy about tracking every gram. Sounds like i’m in the ballpark if nothing else. Many years ago, due to more food allergies than any one person should have, I spoke with a registered dietician about obtaining necessary and proper nutrition despite my dietary limitations. I found it money well spent. Not only did she have solid, practical recommendations and options for me, she also told me what I was doing _right_ - which was a nice confidence booster. Whether or not that’s appropriate for anyone else in this thread I can’t say, just offering some person experience that I found helpful. I very much recommend a _registered dietician_ over a nutritionist or personal trainer for anyone with serious questions about diet. Lately, I’ve been roasting garbonzo beans/chickpeas. Done properly they’re a nice, crunchy snack and, as legumes, are vegan with protein and fiber. Many recipes on the internet, I’d suggest the ones that have minimal additions to the legumes. ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2025, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-weightlifting-and-nutrition-help-an-old-man-out/1018860/45 "2025-05-29T00:53:02Z")
> [@wguy123](#): > > I’m mid-50s and don’t worry about how much protein I ingest. I’m in the same boat… I’m 57, and don’t pay much attention to how much protein I consume. I’m sure I consume way less protein than what the experts recommend, but I feel strong and my muscles are fine. I’m not going to worry about it. Right now my focus is on weight control and improving my cardiovascular health. ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2025, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-weightlifting-and-nutrition-help-an-old-man-out/1018860/46 "2025-05-29T00:57:00Z")
🤜 🤛 That’s supposed to be a fist bump. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2025, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-weightlifting-and-nutrition-help-an-old-man-out/1018860/47 "2025-05-29T03:11:57Z")
Returning to the OP itself … First, kudos for recognizing the importance of exercise and adding strength training to your life. Seriously. It is increasingly more and more established that little is as important as exercise, both aerobic and strength training, for increasing healthspan. Yeah things like don’t get shot, and don’t smoke are up there too … And you may be interested in @Dr_Paprika’s long lived thread! > [@Why don’t you lift weights?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-don-t-you-lift-weights/918144): > > As an enthusiastic weightlifter, I understand that plenty of people dislike exercise. That gyms can be expensive or intimidating. That weightlifting takes time away from more important things - work, the kids, the spouse. That you might find other forms of exercise up your alley. That weightlifting makes you better at lifting weights, which is of limited use. But it has a lot of benefits, is great for keeping folks mobile into old age and helps fight stress. So, why don’t you lift weights? … No need to read the whole thing but lots there that may interest you. Second. You are a mere pup of fifty and you are calling yourself “an old man”? Know the room kid! ---
**Author:** ![Orville\_mogul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/aeb1de/32.png) [@Orville\_mogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orville_mogul)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2025, 9:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-weightlifting-and-nutrition-help-an-old-man-out/1018860/48 "2025-05-29T09:13:04Z")
> [@Reply](#): > > You can look at this table, sorted by protein density (in this case it’s grams of protein per calorie, not per volume, but it’s a good enough proxy): Useful table. I just wanted to make a plug for the first item on the list, soy protein isolates. Nuggets made from soy protein were introduced by the government in India several decades ago as a cheap source of protein for poorer populations. I have eaten them in many dishes and they are surprisingly tasty. You can find them in Asian stores and I imagine there may be some US brands by now > **[Nutrela - India's Best Soya Chunks Brand is represented by Shilpa Shetty](https://mynutrela.com/)** > > Discover Nutrela, proudly endorsed by Shilpa Shetty, India’s trusted brand for premium high protein soya chunks. Packed with essential nutrients, Nutrela offers plant-based products that support a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet. Elevate your... ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2025, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-weightlifting-and-nutrition-help-an-old-man-out/1018860/49 "2025-05-30T12:18:51Z")
> [@Wesley\_Clark](#): > > This is something I also do, but I do it with collagen peptides. I take 30g of protein in the form of collagen peptides. It dissolves well in coffee and is totally tasteless. Mrs. Cheesesteak is a fan of Vital Protein brand collagen peptides. Two scoops every morning in a big cup of hot tea, seems completely tasteless to me when I’ve tried it. Quick and easy way to add a few grams of protein every day. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-weightlifting-and-nutrition-help-an-old-man-out/1018860.md?page=2)