Question:
High protein = More Fat, is that okay?

I am 9 weeks post-op and have lost 45lbs. I have just started to use fitday.com and I have found my high protein/low carb choices seem to have higher fat content. Some of my favorites are peanut butter, eggs, turkey burgers (no bread), cheese, wendy's chili. I prbally eat about 500 calories a day and I seem to be averaging 45% protein, 35% fat and 20% carbs (even sometimes more fat.) Is that okay? And if it is not does anyone have good high protein lower fat suggestions? Thanks so much!    — Kelly T. (posted on January 12, 2003)

January 12, 2003
If you are RNY or BPD, we malabsorb fats & oiils--TO A DEGREE, some more than others. Fat is not as dangerous as once thought, for one thing, AND we malabsorb some. Fat free things are higher in sugars. Fat wont' make us fat again, sugar will. Also, fat satisfies, where sugar sets of cravings. I also follow a similar plan to yours, but I get my protein via supplements & prefer fruit & veggies to eat.
   — vitalady

January 12, 2003
Yes, fat is OK when your eating high protein. Like a previous poster said, the low fat foods can often have sugar in them (carbs) which can hinder weight loss. As long as your keeping your carbs as low as possible, the fat is not a problem. I eat cheese all the time (high fat),I only need about 2 ounces to fill me! You might look into the Atkins diet. The book really explains all about carb/fat/protein thing. Best of luck! Your doing great!
   — Stacy L.

January 12, 2003
I'll jump on the bandwagon and say don't worry about the fat associated with protein. Stay away from non-protein fats like chips. But peanut butter, meats, nuts - they are all good foods for you. The only non-fat or low-fat food that I eat that is high protein is cottage cheese. I eat regular cheeses, not the low fat variety and I use margarine and Miracle Whip light. I use regular salad dressings - just not as much of them.
   — Patty_Butler

January 13, 2003
I don't really watch fats, keeping an eye on my protein and limiting my carbs seemed to work for me. Plus protein and fat keep you feeling full longer. (If I have out of control grazing lurking on the horizon, a couple of spoons of peanut butter or some nuts will squash it almost every time!) BUT you do have to be reasonable about it. I take a peek especially when I buy preprepared foods and if the fat count is astronomical I don't buy it, even if the protein count is good. For example, I found this really yummy looking lobster bisque in the frozen food section. Good protein--about 15 grams for a cup. Unfortunately, it had 45 GRAMS of FAT, too. YIKES! I put it down in a hurry. <p>In other words, stay away from the ultra-rich stuff (alfredo sauces, deep fried stuff, etc.) and stick to the leaner proteins. That will help keep your total calories in check.
   — ctyst

January 13, 2003
I had my Surgery Jan 8 '02. I never paid attentation to the fat. I always paid attention to getting the protein first. I did not start eating carb's of any kind til I reach my 75% weight loss. I reached that in 6 months. at 11 months I reached the weight I wanted to be. I started at 385 lbs now I am 200 lbs. I did this by my 1 year. My opinion keep on track of just protein until you reach that 75% level then slowly add some veg's and then other starchs sparingly. Write know I have 2 meals of just pure protein and 1 meal of other. Like I will have a grilled chicken cesar salad. With our new stomach's fat is not so much of a thing it is the carbs and cheating that will get you. This is just from my experiences. DONT CHEAT.
   — Richard M.

January 13, 2003
You might want to try the low fat peanut butter. It has less sugar, less fat, and fewer calories. It tastes the same to me. :)
   — Diana L.

January 13, 2003
Sounds like you're doing really well to me! And using fitday is a very smart move, especially as your capacity increases, so you can keep building your eating habits up right. As substitutes, consider eggbeaters instead of eggs, or fat-free cheese (or tofu cheese) instead of regular cheese.<P>And also -- I'd seriously consider adding a protein shake to your regimen. There are good ones out there (try samples at www.vitalady.com), and good ones are fat and sugar free (and virtually carb-free, too). It can be really hard to get all your protein in every day through food without picking up more fats than you intend to. With a good protein shake, it's easy. Just my 2c! :D
   — Suzy C.

January 14, 2003
Hi there, Kelly! Have you tried buffalo or turkey jerky? These are usually lower fat and the buffalo jerky has 15 gr of protein in just one ounce! Vi open RNY 9/23/02 down 87 lbs.
   — Vi F.