What's your favorite way to get your protein in?

Hopefully this isn't already a topic somewhere, I looked thru and didn't see one.

Tell me your favorite way to get your protein in.

I set a target as a gram per pound of weight, which would be 157 for me. But I struggle to get to 100, even on days when I work out and have a protein shake.

I'm not a huge fan of greek yogurt or cottage cheese. Greek yogurt is ok mixed with things (such as mixed with some Better N Peanut butter and a little cinnamon and hony, to dip apples in!). Most will find this disgusting - the only way I eat cottage cheese is with maple syrup, it's a family thing, but don't need all of that sugar. Haven't tried that with pure maple syrup yet.

I made the protein bars from the recipe in the book last night. Gummy, yucky looking mess. I didn't have flaxseed but I doubt that would change the consistency much. Brought one for my snack today but must say, I'm not really looking forward to it!

So what do you all do to get your protein in? Recipes welcome!

Replies

  • MyOwnSunshine
    MyOwnSunshine Posts: 1,312 Member
    I drink a Premier Protein shake (chocolate or vanilla) mixed into my coffee every morning. (... and sometimes one with coffee in the afternoon, too!)

    30 grams of protein in each one, and it saves me empty calories for creamer.
  • CanGirl40
    CanGirl40 Posts: 379 Member
    I eat my breakfast on the way to work...premier protein bar with a tea...I feel like I get to eat a chocolate bar in the morning. Chocolate peanut butter is the best! 30 g of protein. Have you tried just a little bit of brown sugar splenda to your cottage cheese...give it the sweetness without all the maple syrup. Or those small containers of diced peaches in cottage cheese....yummo!

    Also I make a chocolate "mousse" with 1 cup protein powder, Greek yogurt and cocoa powder! Yummmmmmmy!!! Slice some banana on top or add fresh raspberries!!! Dessert!
  • LB2LL
    LB2LL Posts: 240 Member
    I need to get better about my protein. I was good for awhile and I've sort of slacked off.

    I drink a protein shake after my lifting days and that helps a lot (around 25-30g of protein/shake). On the morning of lifting days I usually make some old fashioned oats and mix in about half a scoop of protein powder. At lunch I try and mix in some protein (tuna, chicken, etc.) with my salads. I will try and snack on some nut mix as well.
  • lcuconley
    lcuconley Posts: 734 Member
    Salad with canned salmon is a great lunch. Quinoa is a good high-protein grain. I make sure to ALWAYS eat whole grain bread to get some protein there. Beans have some protein, too! I am going to have sprouted lentils for lunch today...not sure how they taste, but they have extra protein.
  • kellyscomeback
    kellyscomeback Posts: 1,369 Member
    Protein powder mixed with oatmeal or a Green Monster/100% Fruit Juice Smoothies, chicken in my salad, peanut butter, whole grain breads, beans, nuts, milk.
  • girlie100
    girlie100 Posts: 646 Member
    Breakfast = eggs
    Lunch = chicken or steak
    Dinner = chicken or steak
    PWO = Myprotein choc smooth with creatine and vit c
    Snacks = Greek yoghurt or almonds
  • Greek yoghurt with pecans, raspberries, banana and stevia or a little honey to sweeten. LOVE that as a snack.

    After exercise I eat protein powder pudding with skim milk and banana/berries.
    Eggs are a staple for breakfast and they are so filling and delicious too.
    I sometimes make salad with tuna on top and hard boiled eggs as well.
    I also eat leftovers from yesterday's dinner almost every day. Usually meat or fish.
  • BrunetteRunner87
    BrunetteRunner87 Posts: 591 Member
    I like to have ground chicken with shredded cheese for dinner, or chicken and bean mexican soup with cheese or something like that.
  • blues4miles
    blues4miles Posts: 1,481 Member
    I struggle with this as well. I've been eating the Pure Protein high protein bars after my runs lately. They have about 30g of protein for 280 calories or so. And I drink Syntrax Nectar protein drink which is 23g of protein for about 100 calories (I know that is a better tradeoff than the bar, but I like to have actual food post-run). I get some protein from veggies during the day, and then try to eat either lean beef, fat free refried beans, or chicken for dinner to get more protein in. I hear yogurt and certain kinds of cheese are great sources of protein, unfortunately I'm lactose intolerant so meat and protein supplements seems to be the easiest way for me. Sometimes I won't have time to make the drink, or sometimes will have a low-protein dinner and then I'll be well below the 90 or so grams I try to get every day, so it's still a work in progress for me.
  • chicbuc
    chicbuc Posts: 616 Member
    I have a protein shake in the morning. I make my own with almond mik, frozen strawberries, vanilla protein powder, and spinach.

    Some kind of meat wrap for lunch...usually with leftover chicken breast from dinner the night before or tuna.

    Meat and veggies for dinner.

    Greek yogurt, nuts, cheese, etc. for snacks.

    Have you tried the Yoplait Greek 100 yogurts? YUMMY!! I take the vanilla and mix in organic trail mix for a boost of healty fats and protein. TO DIE FOR!
  • kellyscomeback
    kellyscomeback Posts: 1,369 Member
    I forgot to add that Beef Jerky is a great source of protein too.
  • chicbuc
    chicbuc Posts: 616 Member
    I do loves me some beef jerky, too!
  • feelgoodnic
    feelgoodnic Posts: 66 Member
    Chocolate protein pancakes, when I have time to make them for breakfast. So friggin' good.

    Greek Yogurt and berries, maybe a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa.

    Porridge and egg whites with a blob of chocolate peanut butter. I was surprised at how good this turned out.
  • Beeps2011
    Beeps2011 Posts: 12,160 Member
    I rely on protein shakes and protein bars. Not glamorous, but it gets it done, for me!
  • BarbellCowgirl
    BarbellCowgirl Posts: 1,271 Member
    Breakfast(which I rarely eat anymore): Eggs and turkey sausage. You can make a burrito ahead of time if you're always in a hurry
    Lunch: chicken, steak, ground turkey, fish
    Dinner: Same as lunch
    Snacks: Chocolate milk, protein bars,
  • heyjay31
    heyjay31 Posts: 79 Member
    Eggs, chicken, fish, peanut butter and apples (as you mentioned...YUM) whole grains, protein shake, I do like cottage cheese with pineapples or peaches. Protein bars for snacks
  • angela1700
    angela1700 Posts: 31 Member
    I have a protein shake every morning for breakfast. (vanilla protein powder, milk, banana, and some berries)

    I have some sort of protein at lunch and dinner. Chicken, steak, tuna, etc.

    I too am still not meeting my macro for protein, but, adding the protein shake in the morning certainly helps.
  • BarbellCowgirl
    BarbellCowgirl Posts: 1,271 Member
    Oh, I forgot to add that one of my favorite things to do is to make banana bread or pumpkin bread with protein powder added.
    To make two loaves, I use:
    3 scoops vanilla protein powder
    1.5 cups mashed banana
    1/2 cup applesauce
    1/4 cup olive oil
    2 eggs
    1/2 cup truvia baking blend (or equivalent of your preference)
    1box sugar free vanilla pudding mix
    1/3 cup milk
    2 1/2 cups oat or whole wheat flour
    1 tsp baking soda
    1 tsp salt
    Add: chocolate chips or nuts.

    It's really yummy, has 8-9 grams protein per slice and healthy fats and fiber. It freezes great.
  • tigertrax3
    tigertrax3 Posts: 37 Member
    I'm a newbie so i'm still practicing with the protein, but my favorite way so far is a "chocolate milkshake". A cup of milk(i use lowfat silk) a cup of ice and a scoop of chocolate protein powder. Blend. Helps with the sweet and chocolate cravings i get too. Oh and i LOVE pitaschios!
  • CanGirl40
    CanGirl40 Posts: 379 Member
    Oh, I forgot to add that one of my favorite things to do is to make banana bread or pumpkin bread with protein powder added.
    To make two loaves, I use:
    3 scoops vanilla protein powder
    1.5 cups mashed banana
    1/2 cup applesauce
    1/4 cup olive oil
    2 eggs
    1/2 cup truvia baking blend (or equivalent of your preference)
    1box sugar free vanilla pudding mix
    1/3 cup milk
    2 1/2 cups oat or whole wheat flour
    1 tsp baking soda
    1 tsp salt
    Add: chocolate chips or nuts.

    It's really yummy, has 8-9 grams protein per slice and healthy fats and fiber. It freezes great.


    yummy! How many cals per slice??? That would be delish!
  • PhoenixRising11
    PhoenixRising11 Posts: 245 Member
    Oh, I forgot to add that one of my favorite things to do is to make banana bread or pumpkin bread with protein powder added.
    To make two loaves, I use:
    3 scoops vanilla protein powder
    1.5 cups mashed banana
    1/2 cup applesauce
    1/4 cup olive oil
    2 eggs
    1/2 cup truvia baking blend (or equivalent of your preference)
    1box sugar free vanilla pudding mix
    1/3 cup milk
    2 1/2 cups oat or whole wheat flour
    1 tsp baking soda
    1 tsp salt
    Add: chocolate chips or nuts.

    It's really yummy, has 8-9 grams protein per slice and healthy fats and fiber. It freezes great.


    yummy! How many cals per slice??? That would be delish!

    Seconded on that! I love banana bread and this recipe looks like it could be a winner! :)
  • BarbellCowgirl
    BarbellCowgirl Posts: 1,271 Member
    If you cut each loaf into 8 pieces, it has around 150 cals a slice. if you add nuts or chocolate chips its more of course. Ive played around with different ingredients and have never had it turn out bad.
  • kel7298
    kel7298 Posts: 1,542 Member
    Stole this


    Whether it’s fueling up before hitting the gym or taking a mid-day snack break to avoid the 2 o’clock lull, high-protein snacks are the tastiest way to keep on going. Protein snacks are the perfect way to fill up just enough, and give us longer-lasting energy than the usual, carb-heavy options.

    1. Cottage-Style Fruit: Top ½ cup cottage cheese with ½ cup of your favorite fruit. Why not try some superfoods? Bananas, mixed berries, and melon are some greatest favorites.

    2. Beef or Turkey Jerky: Be careful to avoid sodium- and sugar-filled brands, but low-sodium, natural, or lightly-flavored options are a great source of protein. And this chewy snack is super-portable and keeps fresh for months when packed properly. A one-ounce serving (the size of most single-serve packs) contains about 9 grams of protein!

    3. Mixed Nuts or Trail Mix: This is a favorite in the office. Mixed nuts are an easy way to get a delicious dose of protein in a convenient, shelf-stable package. Try a mixed bunch for variety and a combo with dried fruit for some added sweetness. The best bang for your protein buck? Almonds and Pistachios are high up there in protein while comparably lower in saturated fat than their nutty peers.

    4. Pumpkin Seeds: Those orange gourds aren’t just for Halloween. The pumpkin insides, scooped out to make room for spooky faces, can actually make a healthy little snack once they’re washed, dried, and nicely roasted! Just ½ cup of pumpkin seeds has about 14 grams of protein — the perfect pre-workout snack!

    5. Hard-Boiled Egg: Inexpensive and loaded with nutrients, eggs are one of the best ways to get a healthy dose of protein. Try hard boiling and pre-peeling a dozen at the start of the week and throw one in a small Tupperware container each day for an easy on-the-go snack.

    6. Deli Rollup: Top 2 slices of low-sodium deli meat (turkey, chicken, or roast beef work great!) with 1 slice of lowfat cheese and a shake of pepper. Add a slice of tomato or some lettuce for extra veggie points.

    7. Nut Butter Boat: Any vehicle for nut butter (almond, peanut, or cashew, perhaps?) is nice. Try loading a few celery sticks with 1 tablespoon of any nut butter topped with a few whole almonds or raisins. If you’re not a fan of celery, try scooping out the middle of an apple and fill it with a nut buttery surprise!

    8. Mini Bean-and-Cheese Quesadilla: It might take an extra minute to prep, but combining these two high-protein treats is worth it! Fold ½ cup black beans, 1 tablespoon salsa, and 1 slice cheddar cheese in a small soft tortilla. Cook in a dry nonstick pan until cheese is melted and tortilla is lightly browned. Wrap in foil and stick in a plastic baggie for easy transport.

    9. Shake It Up: The combinations are endless with protein shakes. And one scoop can go a long way! The “Protein Creamsicle” — 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder, 1 cup orange juice, and 1 cup ice blended until smooth — and the “Star-buffs Shake” — 1 cup iced coffee (with ice) and 1 scoop chocolate whey protein, blended — a caffeine-filled creation.

    10. KIND Bar or Quest bar

    11. Easy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie: Flash back to elementary school snack time with this sweet (but still healthy!) treat. In a microwave-safe bowl (or mug), mix ¼ cup oats, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon flour (of your choice), 1 egg white, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon raisins. Flatten mixture into bottom of bowl and microwave on high for 45 seconds. Cool, pop it out of the bowl, and enjoy!

    12. Tofu Sticks: This soybean-based protein bomb isn’t just for stir-fry and Asian takeout menus! When sliced into sticks and baked, firm (and smoked!) tofu can make a great snack food, especially if it’s served with a side of homemade tomato or teriyaki dipping sauce — just don’t overdo it!

    13. Chunky Monkey Shake: It’s time to get funky, monkey! Blend 1 medium banana, 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, and 1 cup of low-fat chocolate milk with 1 cup of ice for a protein-packed pick-me-up.

    14. Edamame Poppers: The only thing more fun than how much protein you can get from a serving of edamame is getting to eat these little beans out of their bright green pods! One cup of the pods offers about 17 grams of protein. Buy them fresh and steam for about 6 minutes, or use the pre-cooked frozen variety and briefly microwave to defrost (about 2 minutes) before chowing down.

    15. Hummus Dippers: How’s this for an unconventional use of a travel coffee mug: Put 2 tablespoons of a favorite hummus in the bottom of the container. Stick a handful of vegetable sticks (carrots, celery, and snow peas are a great mix!) vertically in the hummus, screw on the top, and throw in a purse or gym bag for an easy, on-the-go, super-healthy snack.

    16. Portable Cheese Platter: Everyone wants to feel classy every once in a while, right? Make yourself a mini cheese plate with a reduced-fat cheese stick (or 2 slices of cheese), two whole-grain crackers, and a few roasted almonds.

    17. Banana Nutter: Few pairings are more comforting than a classic peanut butter and banana combo. Top a rice cake (brown rice for extra fiber points!) with 2 tablespoons of your favorite nut butter and half a banana, sliced. Sprinkle with cinnamon for some extra healthy benefits!

    18. Silver Dollar Protein Pancakes: Mix 4 egg whites, ½ cup of rolled oats, ½ cup of low-fat cottage cheese, ⅛ teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Cook on a preheated griddle (medium low heat) until mixtures bubbles, flip and cook for another 60 seconds. Top with fresh berries or sliced banana.

    19. Chocolate Milk: Low-fat chocolate milk is actually a great source of high-quality protein (especially post-workout)! Try keeping a single-serving, shelf-stable box in your gym bag (or purse) for snack attack emergencies — just try to find one that’s also low in sugar! (Horizon Dairy’s single-serve, low-fat chocolate milk boxes.)

    20. “Get Greek” Berry Parfait: Just imagine sitting on a Greek isle with this snack in hand. Top ½ cup plain Greek yogurt with ½ cup fresh berries and 1 tablespoon sliced roasted almonds.

    21. Grape-and-Cheese Sticks: Dice a half-inch thick slice of cheddar cheese into squares (you should end up with about 6 small pieces, equaling about 1 ounce) and rinse 6 grapes. On 6 toothpicks, stack the grape and cheese, and enjoy! Just 1 ounce of reduced-fat sharp cheddar offers 8 grams of protein, and the contrast with sweet grapes is super sophisticated (and delicious).

    22. Almond Butter Toast Sticks: Here’s another one to fit in that travel mug or mason jar. Toast (or bake) 2 slices of whole-grain bread, and cut into ½-inch strips. Place 2 tablespoons of almond butter (or another nut butter) in the bottom of a container with a top, stick the toast sticks in vertically, and sprinkle with cinnamon.

    23. A Little Lentil: We know what you’re thinking: “Lentils? As a snack?!” Lentils are great protein-packed legumes that are easy to turn into super, shelf-stable salads. One cup has a whopping 22 grams of protein in just 300 calories! Not sure where to start?

    24. Perfect Little Parfait: Top ½ cup nonfat Greek yogurt with a handful of fruit (fresh or frozen) and a drizzle of honey. Add 2 tablespoons of toasted oats for a protein-packed crunch!

    25. Mini Black-Bean Mash Taco: When it’s time to get spicy, try this easy snack fix. Heat ½ cup of black beans in the microwave with 1 tablespoon of salsa. Mash with a fork and fold it inside a small (4 to 6-inch) soft tortilla. Store in a small Tupperware container for easy transport.

    26. Gobble, Gobble: Re-visit Thanksgiving with this festive favorite. Slice one piece of whole-grain bread in half, lengthwise, and top with 2 slices of roasted turkey, 1 slice of Swiss cheese, 1 lettuce leaf, 1 slice of tomato, 1 teaspoon of mustard, and 1 teaspoon of dried cranberries. This comforting combination packs about 14 grams of protein!

    27. Overnight Choco-Oats: This is the ultimate personally pre-packaged snack. In a container with a secure lid, mix ½ cup oats, 1 cup non-dairy milk, 3 tablespoons chocolate protein powder, and a handful of walnuts until well combined. Let sit in fridge overnight (or up to a few days). Need some extra sweetness? Add ½ a banana, mashed!

    28. Blueberry Flax Microwave Muffins: Making muffins from scratch each morning is easier than you might think. Mix ¼ cup quick-cooking oats, 1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 2 tablespoons ground flax, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, 2 egg whites, and a sprinkle of sugar (or other natural sweetener) in a microwave-safe Tupperware container. Cook on high for 50 to 60 seconds. Let it cool, throw a top on it, and enjoy whenever the hunger pangs hit.