Carbs to high-protein and fat to low.

Kimono

I am finding it hard to get my protein and fat up. I have no problem getting my carbs. What do you guys eat for protein and good fats. I have mine set at Carb 50%, Protein 25% and Fat 25%. (I am a runner and I got this from runnersworld.) I don't like almonds but do like peanuts. Are peanuts just as good for you as almonds?? Thanks.

Kimono

I am finding it hard to get my protein and fat up. I have no problem getting my carbs. What do you guys eat for protein and good fats. I have mine set at Carb 50%, Protein 25% and Fat 25%. (I am a runner and I got this from runnersworld.) I don't like almonds but do like peanuts. Are peanuts just as good for you as almonds?? Thanks.

purrrr

Peanuts must be the worst option when it comes to nuts, haven't you tried other kinds of nuts like cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts, macadamia, pumpkin or sunflower seeds, sesame, pinenuts, etc etc, all of them taste better than peanuts... and if you really don't like the taste of other nuts you can mix them into something, i just posted one recipe for the GT the other day but there are many other ways to "disguise" them

speaking of which, let me share another healthy recipe for sweet delights... these are made of dried fruit, nuts and coconut meat, you can pick any kinds of dried fruit and nuts you prefer and customize the amount depending if you want it sweeter (=more fruit), then grind everything (i use a coffee grinder which i only bought for this purpose, since i don't use coffee, it's very comfortable for small amounts), then i add 1 tablespoon of good oil, like apricot kernel oil (has to be cold pressed and not processed oil) and a couple tablespoons of water just so the mix is a little wet and oily so you can shape them into small balls... extremely simple to prepare and there you go you have a box of sweets to treat yourself, your family or guests

In this particular case i have used about 1/2 cup dried chokeberries, 1/2 cup dried apricot, 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds, 1/3 cup cashews and 1/3 cup flaked coconut meat. I know they look a bit like dung :laugh: and taste so good it feels like a cheat but they are absolutely natural and healthy, so not only you shouldn't feel guilty for eating them but you have to be proud you are fueling your body so fine. I make them about a walnut size and they are worth ~100 calories each but you can make them smaller to save on the calories per piece and give yourself the illusion of eating more... I have also realized that even if this box sits on my kitchen table and I can pop a couple sweets anytime, I don't even crave sweets at all. It's not so tempting when it's not "forbidden", you know... :laugh:

However, even if you eat nuts you might still end up low in protein as they are typically more fats than protein, I guess the best options would be animal products here, personally I am a vegan and it's a lot harder to catch up on the protein but there's enough soy and grain like amaranth that are high in protein

Kimono

Thanks-I guess I will have to try different nuts. I like sunflower seeds, so there is an idea.

dclarsh

Do you eat meat? Chicken breast and fish are both good choices. Otherwise, try low fat dairy, beans, or tofu. All are good sources of protein. Cook with a little olive oil if you are low on fats or have a piece of salmon or some avacado. If you are a runner, protein is just as important as carbs because your body needs it to rebuild your muscles. And fat in our diets helps our bodies absorb nutrients more efficiently.

Oh, and peanuts are not quite as good for you as almonds, but they do rank up there. Walnuts are very good. Cashews, however, are near the bottom of the list.

purrrr

Cashews, however, are near the bottom of the list.

but they are so dang yummy

Kimono

I do eat meat. But still having a hard time with the protein, I mostly eat chicken, I eat lean beef maybe once a week. I eat hardboiled eggs, and light cheese. I have never tried tofu, maybe I should give that a try. Any suggestions for what kind of tofu, I know very little about it.
I am thinking that because I eat most to all of my exercise calories (700 today) it pushes my protein requirements up. I am supposed to eat 132 grams of protein today. I have gotten to 116 but I can't eat another bite of chicken today-no way.

dclarsh

I do eat meat. But still having a hard time with the protein, I mostly eat chicken, I eat lean beef maybe once a week. I eat hardboiled eggs, and light cheese. I have never tried tofu, maybe I should give that a try. Any suggestions for what kind of tofu, I know very little about it.
I am thinking that because I eat most to all of my exercise calories (700 today) it pushes my protein requirements up. I am supposed to eat 132 grams of protein today. I have gotten to 116 but I can't eat another bite of chicken today-no way.

Oh wow, that is a TON of protein! Why didn't you say so earlier? You will probably be OK as long as you stay above 60 grams per day.

As for the tofu, if you want to put it in a smoothie or something, get the silken kind and just toss it in the blender. If you want it in a stir-fry or bake it or something like that, get the extra firm. Before you cook it, you'll need to "press" it. Wrap the block in a clean kitchen towel, and place it on the counter with something heavy like a big cookbook on it for about 10 minutes. That will get all the moisture out so that it will cook up better. You can also freeze it if you want a chewier texture.

I would suggest trying tofu at a place like Noodles and Company before you buy it. Some people really like the stuff (like me), and some people flat out hate it! I recommend the Bangkok Curry (small size)... it is delicious with the tofu and only about 410 calories or so.

Kimono

Yeah 132 grams is a crazy amount of protein but that my allowed calories are also 2100 so I guess that's why. I will be looking into the tofu, maybe try a protein shake. Thanks.