This is a good basic overview article about protein- what it is, why we need it, how much in general we should get. http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/nutrition/a/protein.htm
Recently- a lot of nutritionists/dieticians/trainers etc have been seeing/hearing therefor passing it on to us- that the amount of protein we should get per day is one gram for every pound you weigh. That means I would need 180 grams or so of protein a day!! Early on- I was shooting for at leasy 60 grams a day and THAT was hard to manage!
BUT- I KNOW that when I am focused on protein (60? 180? either one) that I am eating less carbs- which fill me up and do not give me as much opportunity to grow lean mass. When I am focued on protein- I don’t snack, I drink more water- and when I work out I know that the muscle mass is growing- not being used up by my exercise.
Also- after Gastric-By-Pass surgery- you should limit your intake of carbs- and focus on protein anyway. Because you eat so little -it is often difficult to get enough protein- (Even the lower end of the numbers- like the 60g Vs. the 180!) and since protein is a building block in your body- you really need to make sure you get enough to stay strong and healthy. (Particularly if you are working out and exercising!) I also know quite a few other people who have had the surgey- and they tell me that they can feel the difference in their energy level and even in their immunity when they don’t eat enough protein.
Sooo… This next month (what is it? Like 7 weeks to create a habit? Maybe I should say this next two months!) I am focused (AGAIN) in protein intake. I am actually going to try to get the 180g a day and see if I can do it. I am going to really track my foods and focus!
Anyone else renewing their focus on good nutrition… and their protein intake?
What do you do to up your protein? Have any tips?
Our goal was 60 to 80grm/day and it was HARD HARD HARD. Still is hard… But you are right. If you focus on your protein, you don't have room for carbs.
Hey gal…lisa n. here…so my goal is between 60-80 a day and i get atleast 40 of those from my arbonne protein shakes…LOVE LOVE Love the new ready to drink shakes…they are so convenient and make it really easy to ensure I get atleast that much…plus i love the fact that they don't have any cholestoral, or fat.
Thanks Lisa… I loved the taste of it when I tried it at your house… protein shakes are a great way to supplement to get enough protein!
Pam- I KNOW right? The Greek yogurt helps a TON!