protein suggestions

Here are some protein suggestions I copied from the Q&A message board. Hopefully they help someone (me included) Elizabeth Just to give you some ideas on protein - I'll try to go with things that are more easily tolerated by people at your stage - 90% lean ground beef has about 8g of protein per oz, so if you do 2 oz of that in a meal, that's 16g of protein right there. Beef Jerky is 11g an ounce. Chicken is between 8-9g per ounce, so eating 2 oz of chicken at a meal will get you 16-18g of protein. Fish will go anywhere from about 6-8g of protein per ounce. Shrimp is a little of 6g of protein per ounce. If you want to go with beans, lentils have 9g of protein in 1/2 cup, refried beans 8g in that same amount. A large egg will get you 6g of protein. Cheese - 6g per ounce for American, 7g per ounce for cheddar. 1/2 cup of 2% cottage cheese? 16g of protein. Get some string cheese - a one-ounce protein (one stick of string cheese) has 7g of protein. Peanut butter has 4g of protein per tablespoon.

I'm pre-op -- waiting for insurance, but I have a question on protein and diet in general. Is it unrealistic to think you can get enough protein without having protein supplements, ie. drinks, etc.? I'd like to do as much with "real" food as possible. I know you still need to take vitamins, calcium etc. If protein supplements are needed what is the best type? I'd prefer something to mix in water and not the chocolate or vanilla shake type. As I said, I'm still learning and would appreciate any help you can give. This board is so informative and you guys are all so nice!!!

Jane, My doctor doesn't have a problem with protein supplements, though other Dr.s discourage people from using them. I was given a target of how much protein to get each day. I think it is based on your height and gender. My Dr. said I needed to get 76 grams a day. In order to do this I mix protein powder and fat free milk each morning and drink it for breakfast. I am 6 months out and still don't get hungry at all, so this satifies me but it may not satisfy others. By starting with the protein drink in the morning I get 25grams of protein (1/3 of my daily total) I try to get another 25 grams with my two snacks and lunch. Then for dinner I eat a meat and vegetable. The one thing I can tell you is that is I don't get enough protein, the next day I am dragging and have no energy. Since you say you don't want to mix it in milk you might want to investigate the Nectar line of protein. Personally I have been sucessful with what I am doing so I haven't tried them. If you have other questions, let us know! Janine