High Protein Snack and Meal Ideas

Okay, I have seen quite a few posts about this lately. I am 7 1/2 months out and have lost about 92 lbs. I have completely slowed down on losing and I know most of it is probably my own fault. I have started "snacking" a little bit here and there. The snacks are sometimes high carb also, like a handful of Goldfish. I know I have to stop this nonsense or I'll end up right where I started from or at least down that path of self destruction. My question is that I have seen many posts that protein helps curb your appetite by making you feel full longer. What are good protein snacks? What are some ideas for meals also that are high in protein that my family will love also? I have not been great about counting calories, but I continue to watch my portion size and try not to eat much junk. I have nibbled here and there, but for the most part I do well. I also need to up my water intake. I think that will help tremendously. I get so busy at work, I find that I don't think about drinking my drink. I need to come up with some tricks to get the water in. Thanks for your help.

SOME OF MY PROTEIN SNACKS: stallone puddings! (BANANA CREAM A FAV) cheese stixs (i buy cheddar and mozzerella to grab in a pinc) hard boiled eggs TRIPLE CHOCOLATE POWER CRUNCH BAR frozen w/ fat free cool whip (HEAVEN) peanut butter and pretzels (very occasional) HOPE that helps! lisa xoxox

Hi... Here is a repost There is a protein pudding out by Sylvester Stallone... you can read about it at http://www.fitflex.com/instone-protein-pudding-review.html or http://www.instonenutrition.com/ But they have the same kind of thing at GNC and Bariatriceating http://store.bariatriceating.com/proteinpudding.html Or why not buy some tasteless protein supplement and make your own? Add it to anything, really. http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/opt/any.html By the way... protein requirement? http://www.unjury.com/reg/calculator.shtml I'm not promoting the BARIATRICEATING.com site, but did find these and thought I would share: When winter comes.. http://store.bariatriceating.com/neelpr.html Cookies http://store.bariatriceating.com/sufrpi.html Chocolate craving? I used this even BEFORE surgery when I catered. You can buy it and similar products in regular grocery stores. http://store.bariatriceating.com/sasusufrmomi.html . . . . . . . . . . . . Later, when you can visit the grocery store... Grocery food list link and other information link http://www.misila.org/Misi/FAQ.asp First month: During the first month after surgery, your stomach and the opening into your intestines are swollen and very small. You will be able to eat only very limited amounts of food. It is important that you concentrate on eating the most important foods for healing: PROTEINS. All proteins must be very soft, moist, and well chewed in order to pass through your new little stomach successfully. If you eat too fast or too much, it will feel like heartburn and may cause you to become sick, so be careful. Grocery list of Protein Foods: 1. Cottage Cheese (low-fat or non-fat). 2. Yogurt (low-fat, non-fat, plain, or artificially sweetened). 3. String cheese 4. Eggs (any style, limit yolks). 5. Tofu 6. Refried beans 7. Lentil or black bean soup 8. Fish (soft and moist). 9. Small amounts of cooking spray 10. Small amounts of non-fat mayonnaise or mustard to moisten food. Just for good measure, I included this too... The link is http://www.misila.org/Misi/FAQ.asp How do you create your own Protein Supplement Recipes? With flavorful additions like: Sugar-free drinks--any Kool-aid or Crystal Light flavors Extracts - imitation flavors and real flavor extracts also bolster supplement taste. However, if you use extracts that contain alcohol, limit the amount you use to 1 1/2 teaspoons per beverage because alcohol contains wasted calories. Remain limited to the following low calorie extracts (calories per teaspoon): Black Walnut - 4 Chocolate - 7 Coconut - 8 Vanilla, imitation - 3 Pineapple - 6 Vanilla - 8 Maple - 6 High Power Pudding - mix one small pack of sugar-free pudding (chocolate, vanilla, or pistachio) to 2 cups of skim milk and 1/2 cup of non-fat dry milk and chill. One 1/2 cup serving provides 9.5 grams of protein and 120 calories as mixed. Protein Pudding - mix one vanilla protein supplement with approx. two ounces less liquid than directions call for. Next, add three tablespoons of your favorite sugar-free, fat-free instant pudding and five ice cubes. Blend at high speed for 60 seconds and enjoy. Orange Pudding - 3 ounces of boiling water, 1 1/2 teaspoons (2/3 envelope) orange flavored sugar-free gelatin, 7 ounces of sugar-free TANG and your protein powder. Mix well and chill. Fruit Cubes - 1 cup of heated diet soda (not boiling) to one envelope of unflavored gelatin. Then mix in your protein powder and 1/2 cup of cold diet soda and pour into an ice tray and chill. Eat all the cubes as one serving. Slush Recipes Designing your own -- Mixing instructions 1. Pour 3 ounces of fluid into a measuring cup. Add ice until fluid line reaches 12-ounces. 2. Pour ice mixture into blender. 3. Add flavoring and protein powder. 4. Blend on low speed 2 to 3 seconds with quick pulses, then blend on high speed until mixture is the consistency of slush. Raspberry Slush - 6 ounces of sugar-free raspberry flavored fruit tea and ice to 1/2 teaspoon of rum flavoring and protein powder. Blend and serve. Hot Beverages Designing your own -- Mixing instructions 1. Mix dry ingredients together. 2. Hea****er until steaming, either in a saucepan or microwave. Do not boil. 3. Add 9 fluid ounces of ho****er to the dry ingredients. 4. Immediately mix with spoon until powder is completely dissolved. 5. Do not use a blender or shaker as hot liquids may splash and burn. 6. Do not mix protein powder and water prior to cooking in microwave as this will cause lumps to form. Coca - mix 1 teaspoon of cocoa to 2 packets of Equal sweetener, a dash of cinnamon and 9 ounces of water to chocolate or vanilla protein powder. Peppermint Coca - 1 teaspoon of cocoa, 1 teaspoon of chocolate flavoring, 1/8 teaspoon of peppermint extract, a dash of cinnamon and 3 packets of Equal sweetener to 9 ounces of water and vanilla or chocolate protein powder. Mousses Designing your own -- Mixing instructions 1. Mix 1/2 cup boiling water into gelatin. Stir vigorously with wire whip until dissolved. 2. Add remaining ingredients to gelatin mixture. 3. Mix well. 4. Pour into container with tight fitting lid. 5. Put in freezer until set and very cold, but not frozen. 6. Mix with electric mixer on high speed until peaks form and mixture is lightly fluffy. 7. Serve at once. 8. Due to the increased caloric content of these mousse recipes limit to one per day. Chocolate Mint Mousse - 1/2 cup boiling water, 1/2 envelope (1-1/8) Knox unflavored gelatin to 2 packets of equal sweetener. A dash of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of creme de menthe extract to 1/2 cup of water and chocolate protein powder. Chocolate Almond Mousse - 1/2 cup boiling water, 1/2 envelope (1-1/8) Knox unflavored gelatin to 2 packets of equal sweetener. A dash of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of cocoa, 1/4 teaspoon of pure almond extract to a 1/2 cup of water and chocolate protein powder. What about the exercise? (If I could only jump like that!) Begin exercise program at 6 weeks after your operation. Perform exercises 5 days per week and resting 2 days every week. 1st thru 3rd week: Brisk walk for 15 minutes on first day. Increase by 2 minutes per exercise day until after 2 weeks you are walking for 35 minutes. 4th thru 6th week: Continue brisk walking 5 days per week for 35-40 minutes per session. 7th thru 10th week: Begin resistance training using bands. Perform upper body training for 15 minutes 3 days per week and lower body resistance training for 15 minutes 2 days per week. Follow resistance training with 15 minutes of brisk walking (or some form of cardiovascular exercise). 11th week and Beyond: Alternate 2 weeks of cardiovascular exercise (brisk walking, jogging, or biking) for 35 to 40 minutes (exercise 5 days, rest for 2 days) with 2 weeks of combination training (15 minutes resistance training and 15 minutes cardiovascular training).

Hi Tammy, These are my favorite protein snacks and they require no preparation. They are also good to "carry around" as a backup in case I find myself in a situation when I can't eat a real meal. *toasted almonds *raw or toasted pecans *mixed nuts (Planters now makes a "heart healthy" blend) *shelled pumpkin seeds (I can't find these at the grocery store--they only have the 'in shell' kind, which I fear shell fragments might harm my pouch. I buy mine (aka Pepitas) from Cost Plus World Market.) Of course I am extremely careful to chew these thoroughly -- I can imagine how painful it would be to get an unchewed nut piece "stuck." Great topic! Kim SW 306 CW 179 GW 150

Tammy, Some protein snacks I use: Stallone Pudding Atkins Advantage protein bar- Choc Peanut Butter String Cheese or Baby Bells Natural Almonds (any fresh nuts would work great) Carb Countdown Yogurts Soy Nuts I also use high fiber cereal at times but they can be high in carbs but in a good way. I use Fiber One w/honey clusters (flakes) and Kashi Go Lean Ok I hope that helps some..... ~Hugs~ Debra P

Hi Tammy, I am in the same boat as you w/ the snacks and water issues!!!!! I have not started eating edamame as a snack at work!!! YUMMY and good for you super high in protein!!! 1/2 cup has 10grams!!! Try that, hopefully it will help the snacking! Ilyssa 268/180/???

I like: Cheddar cheese stix Weight Control oatmeal w/ a scoop of strawberry protein powder Stallone Chocolate pudding Boiled eggs or deviled eggs Chicken breast cut in cubes, sauteed with olive oil, onion, garlic and then lightly flavored with teryaki sauce - sometimes a little soy sauce. Sometimes with chopped peppers mixed in... chili just a piece of grilled chicken with cheese on it (can't eat the whole thing though) grilled salmon tuna drizzled with a tiny bit of italian dressing on lettuce w/a little shredded cheddar sliced hard salami with sliced co-jack cheese rolled turkey meat (deli) Ummmmm that's all i can think of right now.... Pam

I've been looking for salty, crunchy things! Someone recommended soy chips! They have protein with the right amount of salty, crunchy I am looking for! Trader Joe's has them in a smaller bag. I hear Costco sells them in bigger bags!!! ~Alisha 275/191/170ish