HELP! Reducing Carbs and Upping Protein

mistersmithsbox

Looking over the past week, I've realized that I'm crazy hooked on bread, bread products, sugar, etc. because my carb count is RIDICULOUS while my protein count is embarrassing (compared to fat). I was thinking of trying to go "lower carb" but I have a few issues.

1. The meat I eat is VERY limited as I've made the conscious decision to try to not eat meat that isn't kosher. Basically put, I typically only eat fish and rotisserie chickens because my state is really lacking in anything kosher (and I live in the biggest city). I don't eat pork, shelfish, and non-scaled fish nor do I eat chicken or red meat that hasn't been koshered. (Home koshering is a *****.) I'm including more beans but beans are also very starchy. I could eat eggs until I turned into one but fear those are bad for my health.

2. Most of my protein comes from milk. Is that ok?

Basically put, I need more protein but Alabama is effing lame and my options are mad limited. Help

SammyKatt

Eggs are a great way to add protein and they are not bad for you.

You can also add in nuts.

I do LC and if I wasn't so tired I could give you a list of foods, but seeing as how I'm curled up in my bed exhausted I cant think of any =P So I'm pretty much just posting now so I can remember to add things for you tomorrow! =D

pdworkman

How about lower flour products instead of lower carbs? If you are eating too much bread, pasta, sugar, etc., then try upping your fruits, veggies, beans, nuts, seeds, etc. Try to only have bread/pasta for one meal, and see how that goes. It is certainly possible to eat this way without eating a lot of meat. I am grain-free, dairy free, and vegetarian. I only have flour products (bun, pancakes, pizza, etc.) every now and then, the rest of the time the focus is on whole plant foods.

Pam

mistersmithsbox

Thanks for the quick replies!

I have a problem with binging so I don't keep nuts in the house. (Nuts are one of my favorite foods.) Perhaps I should buy some and make my girlfriend dole them out to me. lol

For a year, I was relatively gluten-free and my bread intake was minimal. I'm beginning to think that reverting to GF might be the way to go. (Obviously I know I SHOULD as the gluten isn't my friend but it's damn difficult justifying 90 calorie a slice GF bread.)

Thanks again.

pdworkman

Are all nuts a problem, or just nuts that are roasted and salted? I can't keep salted nuts in the house or my DH and DS will gobble them up, but if I have raw nuts, they don't go nearly as fast.

Pam

Goal_Seeker_1988

bump

33lbsless

Hey! Im trying to reduce my carbs too! I would say eat less refined carbs an more whole grains and always eat carbs with protein!

busterbluth

How about lower flour products instead of lower carbs? If you are eating too much bread, pasta, sugar, etc., then try upping your fruits, veggies, beans, nuts, seeds, etc. Try to only have bread/pasta for one meal, and see how that goes. It is certainly possible to eat this way without eating a lot of meat. I am grain-free, dairy free, and vegetarian. I only have flour products (bun, pancakes, pizza, etc.) every now and then, the rest of the time the focus is on whole plant foods.

Pam

I agree. Do you like tofu? I try not to eat a lot of processed soy junk, but once in a while I'll eat morningstar farms/boca stuff too. I eat a lot of egg whites because I'm trying to reduce my carbs/flour (migraine trigger--my gluten intolerance test came back okay but I was off gluten for a month before I took it soooo. . .I don't know).

BOGmama2010

Definitely focus on upping your veggies. Greek yogurt is great for protein and a protein powder might be a good way to go if you can't get quality meats.

Kateinprogress

I'm vegetarian but still manage to get 80+ grams of protein every day! The key for me is low fat/ fat free dairy. it's high in protein but low in fat and carbs and keeps you full! Plus the calcium in dairy products binds to fat making it harder for your body to process (which is a good thing because then less is absorbed).
My favorite lean dairy:
- fat free milk
- 2% cottage cheese
- fat free yogurt (watch the carbs with Greek! especially on Chobani)
- low fat+ fat free cheeses

As has been said, egg whites are also fantastic for protein too!

I usually have 1 carb and at least 1 source of protein at each meal (breakfast, lunch, afternoon meal, dinner) so that I get full fast and stay full until the next meal (3 hour intervals). It is OKAY to have bread or pasta but in moderation. Try having Rozoni Smart Taste pasta, it's even healthier than wheat!

Hope that helps!

CommandaPanda

Soy Milk - Lower in carbs, higher in protein
Eggs - Lower in carbs, higher in protein
Canned Tuna - No carbs, very high in protein
Cottage Cheese - Low carbs, high in protein (more of an evening snack, right before bed)
Shrimp - Almost no carbs, very high in protein

I think that's a decent start to a few ideas. Maybe I read the question wrong. I don't know, it's 1 in the morning for me and my body is begging me to let it repair itself.
Hopefully I was able to help you out!

Chambo14

Easiest way is to eat a can of tuna for a snack if you're feeling peckish instead. Even adding a little flavoring like say 2 tbl of Thai Chili Sauce to it won't do much for your overall carb count.

mistersmithsbox

Easiest way is to eat a can of tuna for a snack if you're feeling peckish instead. Even adding a little flavoring like say 2 tbl of Thai Chili Sauce to it won't do much for your overall carb count.

My favorite meal in the world is tuna, sweet chili, and jasmine rice. I could eat it forever.

Danke everyone! It seemed that I'm not too totally screwed and it's more of a matter of just not eating all the bread rather than scrounging around for more ways to get meat. I should just be eating more of that then bagels. Haha. (Oh free Panera Bagels... you will kill me!) Now I just need to stock up on eggs!