Question:
Is there a list of the protein content of food listed somewhere?

Im postop and Ive been reading a lot about protein supplements and the need to get in 60 grams of protein a day. I'd like to try getting my protein from regular food and see if its possible to meet this minimum requirement with a 2 ounce stomach. I can tolerate dairy and meats just fine but Im having trouble determining just how much protein Im getting. Ive read diets where it lists the amount of carbohydrates per serving but where can I find out how much protein is in an egg or an ounce of meat or fish? It seems like I would be fine eating cottage cheese and yogurt and drinking nonfat milk and eating fish and eggs each day but its hard to manage the protein intake without more info. Is it possible to live as a post-op without having to supplement your protein intake? I cant imagine having to be on protein supplements 5, 10 or 20 years down the road.    — [Anonymous] (posted on January 8, 2000)

January 8, 2000
I purchased a small book at the bookstore in the health section which is a protein counter. It covers a lot of foods both grocery store brand names and generic foods. The name of my book is "The Protein Counter", by Annette B. Natow, Ph.D. & Jo-Ann Heslin, M.A.. I just bought it and have used it a few times. The only warning I have is to be sure to eat more than the minimum requirements for your surgery because it is not "pre-digested" like the supplements. I am obviously not an expert also, so please also consult your doctor or nutritionist. Good Luck.
   — Dot W.

January 8, 2000
Yes, it is possible to live without protien supplements. I have yet to take one nor do I plan on taking one. Meat has 7g of protien per one ounce serving. Dairy has 8g per serving (1 cup of milk, 1/4 cottage cheese, etc) Starches and vegetables both have 2g per serving. There is no protien in fruit. Instead of buying an expensive book all you need is a food pyramid sheet. Your doctor/dietician can give you one for free. Once you know what counts as a serving of a particular food group, you will know its total of protien. For instance a serving of "meat" is one ounce of meat, or 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, 1 egg, or even 1/2 cup of beans. If you focus on your higher protien foods first at each meal and have a glass or two of skim milk as a snack you will reach your recommended 50-60g each day without a problem. I'll tell you my favorite protien booster. I love cafe lattes. I would rather go to Starbucks for a latte than have a big dish of ice cream that is how much I like them. I enjoy a 16oz latte; I get a good cup of coffee; 16oz of milk which is 16g of protien, and 16oz toward my daily fluid intake. All for 200 calories! ~:o)
   — Lisa O.

January 12, 2000
Try checking out "the Zone" by Dr Barry Sears I know for a fact that I learned more reading "the Zone" than I ever thought I would know about nutrition. He also helps you to figure out your needs in the protein dept. I loved the book it is my nutrition bible and will definitely help after surgery ( if my insurance co EVER sees the light!!!!!) LOL
   — Paige W.

April 7, 2000
Hi, There is a computer program that you can order that lists all the nutritional contents of many, many foods. YOu will have to do some research to find it though. Look for the Doctor that was in biosphere II. He will have one of the best and easiest to access lists I know of. He has written several books also.
   — Rosella H.

June 28, 2000
We were told tonight by our dietician that we would only have to be on protein suppliments for around 4 months
   — [Anonymous]