Question:
HOW CAN I GET MORE PROTEIN WITHOUT OVER EATING??

My open rny was 4/5/02. I have lost 70 lbs since then which I know is good. However, I haven't lost anything in the last month. I need to "jump start" my weight loss because I still have another 40 or 50 lbs to my goal. I read that I should eat more protein, drink more water and exercise more. Well, I'm trying to drink more water now and I am joining Curves for Women on Monday. But how can I get more protein in without eating more? I feel like I'm eating too much already. For instance, I had a lean cusiene for lunch. It's salisbury steak and mac&cheese and has 25 gr. protein. I figure that's good but I literally have to force myself to eat it all because after eating half of it I am already full. But eating half won't give me enough protein. See? Any suggestions for protein?    — Peggy D. (posted on September 6, 2002)


September 6, 2002
hiya...i understand your frustration...!please don't force yourself to eat once you are full - this can lead to stretching of your pouch as well as you getting sick. one way i increase my protein is by using Jarrow's Iso Rich Soy Protein Powder which can be mixed with food - it's the only protein powder that you can do that...it has no flavor, and for 2tbls= 25g protein/0 fat/0 sugar/0 carbs/110 calories. i blend it with almost everything i cook, you can mix it with yogurt, cottage cheese, soups, stir fry...you name it! i use it as my protein drink by mixing in 2 tbls with my morning coffee and then adding vitamite instead of milk. i have some recipes that show how to add it to your cooking and the versatility of the product. let me know if you would like them ([email protected]) you can also drink a collagen based protein that you can get at a health food store, i don't know the name of it. i think it is 15g protein for 2tbls. i did hear it tasted yucky but you just suck it down in a shot glass and you've got some protein. there isn't a local retailer for the jarrow's so i get it online from www.vitamintrader.com, it is $24 for 2# (you can get it 1# also) and that lasts me about 2 months. also, center your snacks/meals around protein. you do need some carbs/fats/sugars/fiber but if you eat like soy nuts (they have some good flavored ones now)or beef jerky...those are good sources of protein. good luck and hang in there! {hugs} kate open rny 6-14-01 pre op: 268lbs goal weight: 135lbs current weight: 130lbs
   — jkb

September 6, 2002
I use Procel, it's 100% whey protein, it can be added to foods, drinks anything...it has no flavor or smell...food taste the same...I am sure there are other types on the market search for it...I put Procel in my crystal lite, getting both water intake and protein...it works for me...
   — MF

September 6, 2002
I myself do not use the protein powders, I have myself convinced that they are all gross (I'm sure they aren't but I'm not trying them to find out either) anyway, in the lean cusine, I know the mac & cheese has some protein but it also has pasta and carbs, maybe eat your meat from there feed the kids the mac & cheese and boil you an egg to eat with it instead or cottage cheese. Also SF yougart has protein, PB and celery (or other fresh vege), tuna & lite crackers, pimento spread, all of these have protein and are wonderful snacks. Try getting in some protein with your snacks, maybe that will help :) GOOD LUCK!
   — Lynda T.

September 6, 2002
There is a simple rule that will help you: Protein first, then veggies/fruit, then other carbs. Sure you are gonna have trouble eating the whole lean cuisine. But think about it: Most of the protein comes from the meat, not the macaroni. Eat the meat FIRST and THEN eat as much of the macaroni as is comfortable. You won't miss out on much protein and won't overeat. If you follow that simple rule it is fairly easy to get your protein in using food. Just realize that as long as you fill up quickly, you won't be eating a whole lot more than the protein! You can look on www.fitday.com to see the protein counts for foods. It doesn't take a whole lot to get in 60 g of protein a day. That's less than 10 oz of good protein food over the course of 16 or so hours. Just eat frequently and well and you shouldn't have any problem. Hope this helps!
   — ctyst

September 6, 2002
Here a just a few more tips that I got from a book a doctor sent me for incresing protien in your diet. 1. Try adding 1/3 cup of dry milk powder to 1 cup skim milk. This will double the protien in your milk. (I personally think this is a good idea, plus you can add it to more that just your milk). 2. if you don't lke the taste of milk, try adding a low calorie instant Breakfast, sugar free Nestle Quick, Alba or low calorie flavorings. 3. If you have a hard time digesting milk, try Lactaid or Dairy Ease. These are enzymes that help digest milk. 4. An omelet, scrambled egg or low calorie yogurt makes an excellent breakfast. 5. When yo are able to tolerate soft food, a simple meal of canned fruit and cottage cheese is a great source of protein. 6.Try Tuna or chicken salad made with low calorie mayonnaise on a few low fat crackers (e.g.,saltines)at mealtime. 7. Most drugstores carry non-milk-based protein supplement drinks such as Ensure and Sustacal. You may use these if there are times whe you need more protein and can't manage any of the above.
   — Tammy O.

September 6, 2002
PROTEIN SHAKES. WHen I thought they were gross, I was encouraged that I hadn't found the one I liked yet. Keep experimenting - there are plenty to choose from. The commercial ones (Carnation, etc.) have WAY too many carbs and sugar and too little protein.
   — Marti R.

September 6, 2002
I would recommend skipping the mac and cheese or any of the big carb side dishes all together. And of course protein first! And maybe stick with leaner meats. Also I use the powdered non-fat milk in my coffee and tea. Every little bit helps. I personally haven't found a protein drink or bar that I like, but if you can find one that can help. Do you have the ketone test strips? Those can tell you if you are burning fat or not. Good Luck! Lisa -82lbs
   — LisaTaz

September 6, 2002
Sport Cookie is awesome---its sugar free. low carb and 15gr of protein. www.protocookie.com Its a bit pricey but I'm willing to pay it cos I cannot tolerate the protein shakes nor the horrible bars!!!! Hope this helps!
   — Bambi C.

September 7, 2002
don't force your self to eat if your not hungry be carefull not to stretch your pouch. Try liquid protien you buy it from GNC it comes in cherry flavor add it to your water or juice just don't add to much or it starts making things taste funny a little goes a long ways with that stuff. There also whey protien shake mix vanilla flavor is great in sugar free hot chocalate and mix in your fat free yogurt and toped on ice cream fat free sugar free ice cream. Be creative am already doing these things and I have not had surgery yet but my surgeon has me on the diet am going to be eating after surgery already. It helping me lose my 10% before surgery.
   — sheri B.

September 7, 2002
Peggy, As the others have said, don't force yourself to eat past the full point. You might try eating several small meals or simply adding protein shakes or bars in between your three main meals. I had the same problem as you but have found I can eat less and still get my protein in through the supplements. MetRx makes great bars and Nature's Best Isopure Zero Carb juice has less calories with no carbs, sugar, nor fat and delivers 40 grams of protein per a 20 oz bottle.
   — LLinderman




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