Tess, question for you

I know that you lost 70 pounds of regain.  Did you drink protein shakes.  I am really not fond of them and was wondering if I can lose my regain without drinking the protein shakes. 

I did drink two shakes a day in the beginning to up my protein count and to help lower my calorie count.  You can lose your weight without the shakes, but it may take you a little longer than me.  Instead of shakes, you could eat chicken breasts, tuna, eggs, soups with unflavored protein powder to increase the proteins in them and protein puddings, protein bars.  You are looking to eat the highest protein value you can with the lowest calories possible.  It is very doeable but just a lot more preparation goes into it.  The shakes were easy for me because I would have one for breakfast on my way to work.  I would eat a protein bar for lunch because I work through lunch and then I would have a lean meat and green vegetable for dinner.  I would you usually split a protein bar and have it for 2 snacks and at the end of the day I would have a final shake before I would go to bed.  It you tally up my calories for the day you would have 780 calories and 115 grams of protein.  My shakes gave me 50 grams of protein and 250 calories total.  I would need to find a replacement which would be mostly tuna, chicken or eggs for there higher protein and lower calories to match my shakes.

What protein powders do you use?  I have always used the Unjury protein powder.  I use the chocolate, vanilla, unflavored and chicken soup.  I love them all and at 20 grams of protein per scoop and 100 calories, you just can't beat them.  

I think everybody needs to find what will work for them.  It is sort of like a game.  I give you 800 calories a day and tell you to spend them on 100 grams of protein, then you must find what you can eat for that amount of calories and protein.  Think of it as a challenge and see what you come up with.  I would love to know what you would spend your 800 calories on.

Thank you, Tess.  I appreciate you.  One more question, can I drink the already make shakes, or is it better to make them yourself.  I am determined to lose this regain before it gets out of hand. I appreciate all the advise that you can give me.  Have an awesome Thanksgiving.

I mixed my own but I think the ready made ones would be just fine.  Just look for the ones with the most protein grams per calories and of course, ones that taste good too!  Good luck to you.  I think sometimes we need a regain to appreciate how far we had come and to relose it makes us that much more aware of where we want to remain.  Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

It is cheaper to make them from powder, but when I try to work on my regain - or simply try to 'clean' my diet - i use both. The RTD - are easy grab and go - no excuses 'don't have time to mix' . They are ready all the time.

May i ask which RTD protein drinks you choose.  I have drank a lot of Adkins ones, but think they are only 15 grams protein and 160 calories.\\

Ruby

3/11/2005  rny

262/128/152

hi/lo/today ugh

I have a couple of brands I use - metrx-51 gr of proteins ( I usually break that into 2 shakes) and pure protein RTD - that has 35 gr of proteins and 170 calories. I do take time drinking it.  Atkins is typically soy based and I try to stay away from soy. 

A lot of people like the premier RTD (costco or sams sells them ) but I can't stand them.  When I travel I may pickup some RTD muscle milk (it is almost in any store) but that thing is lately hurting my pouch (not sure why) . 

When I needs to by new RTD I went to my local Vitamin shoppe and picked a few brands that had good stats (protein, carbs, and type of protein used). I took therm home and tried. Then would pick 2-3 brands that I liked and look how much they are on internet sites.  I Would pick best value for $$$ and would go back to vitamin shoppe (or any other retailer) and try at least 2-3 RTD of the selected brand.  Making sure I still like it and my body can tolerate, only then I would buy case on line (watch for shipping on line - some product is cheap until they charge shipping.  

My fav were luckyvitamins.com or vitacost.com or bodybuilding.com

Thanks for your reply.  I did not realize Adkins was soy based and can not remember why we should avoid soy.  i am having a bout with depression today and mind is not working well.  Again thanks for reply and information.