Had enough!

I need some suggestions on protein food.  I GIVE up on meats, doesnt matter how moist, how much I chew and chew it, whatever I do,  it does not work well at all with my grouchy stomach.  I tried over and over and each time I end up in the bathroom the rest of the day...it wears me out.  Since I can't get protein from meats, what else can I eat to get my protein in besides protein drinks? 

Pam

Hi Pam,
How are you with dairy products? I don't really enjoy meat, so I had to figure this out rather quickly.  I add beans to lots of things... I add greek yogurt to soup... I add cottage cheese to my salad (as a dressing), it all adds up
Good luck!
Lou

Pam,

take a look at the many ways that vegetarians get protein - ranging from tofu, to tempeh, to various soy products, beans, nuts, whey, etc.  There are some excellent and easily digestible options, and even some really good pre-packaged things (I'm partial to the Gardein  and LightLife/Smart Foods brands). 

Also, adding greek yogurt to anything that you can (both savory and sweet) will up the protein content.  Cheeses (lowfat) are also good options.  

Over the next few months, also try again with just tiny bits of various meats - ground meat (think chili), light fishes (salmon, tilapia, scallops, shrimp), egg substitute/egg beaters  (egg drop soup) and see if your pouch becomes less "grouchy" with them over time. 

When in doubt - always look to the vegetarians, who've mastered the art of getting their protein in without meat for centuries!

Good luck,
Karen

Yea, I second what Karen and everyone else has already said.  Do some research on vegetarian diets.  There are some grains that have a decent amount of protein (I think Quinoa has 6 gms in a 1/4 cup) and adding things like greek yogurts and ricotta cheese is definately an option.

And, as time goes by, try little tiny bits of meat like chilli like karen said...and only about a teaspoon or so at a time...and things like chicken salad made w/ canned chicken might be an idea, too....

Mock Calzone (Crustless Cottage Cheese Pizza) 

Serves 6-8

10 oz frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
10 oz Hunt's Zesty & Spicy spaghetti sauce
1 cup Breakstone 2% cottage cheese
1/2 cup Egg Beaters
2 cups Sargento Reduced Fat Italian 4 Blend cheese
spray canola oil

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400 F. Treat a metal baking pan with cooking spray (shape doesn't matter).

Mix spinach, Egg Beaters, cottage cheese, 1/4 cup Italian cheese, 1/4 cup spaghetti sauce. Blend until all ingredients are incorporated to an even texture.

Turn out onto your baking dish and spread evenly so that there are no gaps or holes. Top with remaining cheese and drizzle with remaining sauce. Shape edges with a fork.  They will brown quickly.

Bake about 20 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes. Cut into 6 or 8 servings.

Wrap individual slices in aluminum foil and enjoy cold or at room temperature. Wonderful for lunch with a salad or as a snack.

Now granted, these are technically meats, but I had a lot of success with fat free hot dogs and soy balongna. Both are surprisingly healthy as far as protein/fat/sugar/calorie counts go, so if you've not tried them, maybe give it a shot.

Cottage cheese is a good source as well.

thanks again for all your replies..I guess I should call and make an appt with my NUT again..all your suggestions we're good except that is my problem...I don't like cottage cheese and I tried Greek yogurt and hated it..beans the only kind I like are green beans.  I feel like a lost cause but I can't eat something that doesnt agree with my stomach (meats) but I also can't force myself to eat things I never liked.  I eat lite yoplait, low fat cheese, caliuflower, brocoli, salads, and I drink 5 protein water drinks that are 15 grams.  Is this OK or what??