Ideas for more protein and iron?

melissamzeina

I never consume enough protein or iron- what are easy ways to add these into my diet?

enterdanger

red meat....that will get you both.

sarahlifts

Beef yum!!! it has both

TavistockToad

A nice steak with some spinach!

VeryKatie

My solution has been protein powder and doctor prescribed iron supplements. But here is a list of high iron foods. Most of them are from animal sources so it should kill two birds with one stone (protein and iron).

Chicken liver
Oysters
Clams
Beef liver
Beef (chuck roast, lean ground beef)
Turkey leg
Tuna
Eggs
Shrimp
Leg of lamb

For non-heme sources (hard for the body to absorb but still worth eating):
Raisin bran (enriched)
Instant oatmeal
Beans (kidney, lima, Navy)
Tofu
Lentils
Molasses
Spinach
Whole wheat bread
Peanut butter
Brown rice

I also heard of a thing called a lucky iron fish which you put in your pot when cooking things like rice or noodles. It helps the food absorb iron. I kind of want one.

singingflutelady

I wouldn't take iron supplements unless you have had blood tests that show you are deficient

VeryKatie

singingflutelady wrote: »

I wouldn't take iron supplements unless you have has blood tests that show you are deficient

Agreed with this. Talk to your doctor

cwolfman13

Beef...it's what's for dinner and you'll kill two birds with one stone.

Asher_Ethan

I am anemic so the doctor told me to take Slow FE to get my iron every day. How do you feel about protein powder to get your protein everyday?

tcunbeliever

braunschwager

melissamzeina

Asher_Ethan wrote: »

I am anemic so the doctor told me to take Slow FE to get my iron every day. How do you feel about protein powder to get your protein everyday?

Also anemic- I've been hesitant about incorporating protein powder because I haven't started exercising regularly, just been fine tuning my diet. Also- sooo many protein powders out there, no idea where to start. I wouldn't mind tips on both those issues!

extra_medium

You don't need to exercise to benefit from protein power if you're lacking in your diet. Just make sure the calories fit within your daily goal.

VeryKatie

I use PVL Iso Gold Whey (Chocolate) powder. I went to a Popeye's Supplements and actually sampled a bunch and talked to them about recommendations. This one was good bang for my buck (well as much as it can be at a supplement store) and tasted the best to me. It has just a tiny bit more fat in it than other powders, but that made it feel smoother somehow. But I also had to buy a blender bottle. I got this one: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B009KOUJO4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s04?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It's nice since it's quiet.

But if you can add more protein by changing up your diet within reason, that's also an option!

If you're anemic, your doctor should recommend a dosage of iron supplements since it depends how anemic and what kind you are. It could be B12 or iron or ferritin. Those will change what you take, how much, and for how long. I use a slow release iron supplement called FeraMax150 (aka PolyRide 150)

enterdanger

I agree about getting your doc to make a recommendation on the iron supplements. Another good source of both iron and protein is a bowl of cereal. Almost all cereal has added iron and the milk has protein (if you use cow's milk).

I'm confused about protein powders too...mostly because they all seem to have ingredients I don't want. I ended up with body logix chocolate, but didn't sample it first. It is SO sweet. I have to mix it with icy water or I gag on the sweetness. Without that, the flavor would be fine. I also can't have a bunch of artificial sweeteners or soy since I'm pregnant and I'm mildly allergic to soy. You'd be surprised how many "pure whey" formulas have a soy filler.