Getting protein without the fat

lisaidem
lisaidem Posts: 194 Member
edited September 25 in Food and Nutrition
I need some ideas regarding getting in my protein each day, without adding fat. My ratio is approximately 40% cals from carbs, 40% cals from protein, and 20% cals from fat. My calorie goal is 1630. Without exercise, this is about 160 g of protein a day! I'm not even getting close most days, and I'm either right at, or over, my fat goal. Short of eating a whole chicken during each meal, I don't know how to get that protein in!
I am eating eggs in the morning or for a snack, Chobani greek yogurt (despite being lactose intolerant), sometimes PB on whole grain bread, meat at lunch and dinner...I'm out of ideas. I don't like nuts (they taste exactly like dirt to me!), and I can't add more fat. I'm not sure what a good alternative would be since I don't want to add carbs or fat, but this much protein seems almost excessive. Thoughts? Advice?
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Replies

  • FlyEaglesGuy
    FlyEaglesGuy Posts: 436 Member
    Try egg beaters eggs for breakfast along with turkey bacon . That's about 40grams right there.
  • BigBoneSista
    BigBoneSista Posts: 2,389 Member
    Whey protein supplement
  • jnovak1
    jnovak1 Posts: 7
    gotta drink protein shakes! build lean muscle=burn more calories
  • Upanddown
    Upanddown Posts: 35 Member
    Protein powder and egg whites :-)
  • Pandorian
    Pandorian Posts: 2,055 Member
    I use whey protein, been meaning to for ages. 50 grams of whey powder gives me 47 grams of protein, so I try to use 20 grams with breakfast whether it's in my pancake mix or my eggs for french toast / omelet or in a straight up shake. I use the rest in a shake later, there's no fat in the one I use.
  • FlyEaglesGuy
    FlyEaglesGuy Posts: 436 Member
    Whey protein supplement


    Try Isopure zero carb whey protein. Delicious , zero carbs no saturated fat, and 40grams per serving.
  • tmontgomery69
    tmontgomery69 Posts: 180 Member
    Cottage Cheese is a good source of protein.
  • Mustangsally1000
    Mustangsally1000 Posts: 854 Member
    zone protien bars. About 14 grams of protien per bar..lots of flavors to chose from. The only kind of bar I like...and I actually LIKE them. They have been very helpful for me.
  • cherubcrnp
    cherubcrnp Posts: 717 Member
    Whey Protein Powder shakes are excellent. A Woman on weight reduction programs needs 50-60 gms of protein a day. UNJURY protein powder is an excellent source. It comes in several flavors including an unflavored one which can be added soups, jello, puddings and many other foods to boost the protein content.
  • thumper44
    thumper44 Posts: 1,464 Member
    Protein powder and egg whites :-)
    X 2
  • dave4d
    dave4d Posts: 1,155 Member
    Yep. supplement with protein powder, and when you have eggs, go with mostly whites. I do the same ratios. I have a hard time most days getting my fats, I have to get them with nuts, and peanut butter.
  • Rather than the Chobani greek yogurt, not sure if you are getting the nonfat or not, try FAGE greek total zero. It has 23g of protein vs yours only has about 18. You can also buy egg whites, they come in a carton like egg beaters. Also chicken has lots of protein. HTH
  • veganbecky
    veganbecky Posts: 29 Member
    Beans have lots of protein and practically zero fat. Split pea soup, lentil soup, pinto or black bean burritos, roasted chickpeas -- all great ways to get protein without fat. (plus a ton of fiber, iron, and other nutrients)
  • Have you ever tried promax bars? I love them.. Nutritional quality and taste are both great. I also kind of like that they are a little bigger than most bars so Im eating for longer and by the time I finish the bar I feel pretty satisfied. I never had a flavor I didnt like but I feel like Ive gotten a lot of the cookies and cream ones...
  • xraychick77
    xraychick77 Posts: 1,775 Member
    unless you are building muscle..which takes a calorie surplus, you have no reason to eat that much protein. we should only be getting 40-60 grams a day. getting too much protein is hard on the kidneys and can cause neurological problems.

    http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/14563169/ns/today-today_health/

    http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=11234

    http://www.livestrong.com/article/313539-side-effects-of-ingesting-too-much-protein/

    ps yes you can get too much protein..
  • dave4d
    dave4d Posts: 1,155 Member
    unless you are building muscle..which takes a calorie surplus, you have no reason to eat that much protein. we should only be getting 40-60 grams a day. getting too much protein is hard on the kidneys and can cause neurological problems.

    http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/14563169/ns/today-today_health/

    http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=11234

    http://www.livestrong.com/article/313539-side-effects-of-ingesting-too-much-protein/

    ps yes you can get too much protein..

    I've actually read a few articles that claim this is a myth. I think if you are prone to kidney problems, you should limit your protein. Just like a person who is prone to high blood pressure should limit sodium, but sodium doesn't necessarily cause it.
    Diabetics should watch their carbs, and sugars to keep their insulin levels in check. Everyone has different needs in their diet, and different things they should try to avoid. Most of these issues are more genetic, and less food related. I've seen several people succeed with higher protein numbers, without any kidney issues. It is important to drink lots of water though, and get plenty of fiber.
  • colombiana444
    colombiana444 Posts: 133 Member
    Protein powder and egg whites :-)
    X 2
    X 3
  • suzycreamcheese
    suzycreamcheese Posts: 1,766 Member
    youll almost certainly need a supplement for such a high goal.
    Is there a special reason you need it so high on the days youre not exercising?
  • SHBoss1673
    SHBoss1673 Posts: 7,161 Member
    I am curious why you're trying to eat so much protein, as that's pretty high. Not that 40% is an issue, It's probably borderline as far as going overboard IMHO unless you have a specific need for that much or reason to do it, but it does peak my interest. So if you could provide a reason, I would really be interested in it.

    Otherwise, Generally, when I need to fill out my protein levels, whey protein, egg whites (very versitile), and baked chicken breast meat are the way I go. If you're going to go that high in protein, you're going to run into issues, and it's going to get expensive, protein is (lb for lb) the most expensive type of macronutrient to buy.
  • chrisdavey
    chrisdavey Posts: 9,834 Member
    I would go for the eat a whole chicken option :)
  • Atlantique
    Atlantique Posts: 2,484 Member
    unless you are building muscle..which takes a calorie surplus, you have no reason to eat that much protein. we should only be getting 40-60 grams a day. getting too much protein is hard on the kidneys and can cause neurological problems.

    http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/14563169/ns/today-today_health/

    http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=11234

    http://www.livestrong.com/article/313539-side-effects-of-ingesting-too-much-protein/

    ps yes you can get too much protein..

    I don't know where people come up with these ideas. Protein is only hard on your kidneys if they are ALREADY DISEASED. I can't imagine where you got the idea that protein induces neuological difficulties.

    And the idea that the average adult needs 40 grams of protein per day is simply ludicrous. Sure, if they happen to weigh 80 pounds, and I don't see many 80lb adults. a reasonable active person needs half their bodyweight in protein grams per day.

    Americans' irrational fear of protein all goes back to the long discredited 'lipid hypothesis'--the mistaken idea that fat makes you fat, raises your cholesterol and gives you heart disease. As Americans tended to favor meat sources of protein, we developed an irrational fear of it because it so often came with fat (which really terrified us). So we carbed ourselves into obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
  • 1976me
    1976me Posts: 10
    i do a protein shake every morning almost, seen great success. i have read a lot on here and done my own research and one thing i took in was do the shake, and juat make sure to get in plenty of water with it, no problems
  • JillyCornwall
    JillyCornwall Posts: 376 Member
    Not one person has suggested fish.....non oily fish is a great source of lean protein...and oily fish is an even better source...and as the fat in oily fish is Omega3 good fat should not be counted anyway in your fat totals.
  • ejohndrow
    ejohndrow Posts: 1,399 Member
    Salmon is a good natural source, and I like soy as well, and of course beans and lentils as someone else mentioned.
  • katschi
    katschi Posts: 689 Member
    Not one person has suggested fish.....non oily fish is a great source of lean protein...and oily fish is an even better source...and as the fat in oily fish is Omega3 good fat should not be counted anyway in your fat totals.

    Yes! A great suggestion!
    I've upped my fish intake and include wild pacific cod, wild halibut, basa & rainbow trout. I also eat sardines in olive oil but that may be an acquired taste for some. :happy:
  • sunflowerkb
    sunflowerkb Posts: 7 Member
    Protein isn't as tricky as it seems. Suppliments are great but natural is best. I eat Alvarado Street sprouted whole grain bread, and sometimes Kashi Go Lean - Cereal (Naturally Sweetened Fiber Twigs, Soy Protein Grahams and Honey Puff), 1 cup. That alone has 13 g. Egg beaters as many have said. I know things get a little boring. Take time to walk around the grocery store. Look at the most natural foods you can. You will find the highest value in nutrition for you money. It's worth it. Search the net. Google protein. Here is a list I have on my fridge that I plucked from the internet a while back on about.com. I know it's hard to watch the calories at the same time so mayby seeing it this way, at a glance, can help you find your favorites and jot them down for yourself. Like nuts, super high in calories and fat but worth it in nutrition, there is good and bad fat so watch that too. I eat a little bit of everything in a week to keep it interesting or I get bored. Getting in my protein makes a big difference in how hungry I am all day. I lost 50 lbs a few years back and am at er' again, protein was the main component. Good luck!

    Turkey

    Ground turkey isn't on my list but I eat many ground turkey type items, there is as much protein in ground turkey as there in in ground beef and you benefit from this because there is so much less fat.

    Chicken

    •Chicken breast, 3.5 oz - 30 grams protein
    •Chicken thigh – 10 grams (for average size)
    •Drumstick – 11 grams
    •Wing – 6 grams
    •Chicken meat, cooked, 4 oz – 35 grams

    Fish (I LOVE FISH!!)

    •Most fish fillets or steaks are about 22 grams of protein for 3 ½ oz (100 grams) of cooked fish, or 6 grams per ounce
    •Tuna, 6 oz can - 40 grams of protein

    Pork

    •Pork chop, average - 22 grams protein
    •Pork loin or tenderloin, 4 oz – 29 grams
    •Ham, 3 oz serving – 19 grams
    •Ground pork, 1 oz raw – 5 grams; 3 oz cooked – 22 grams

    Eggs and Dairy - More fat but necessary nutrition. Low fat is good but fat free just adds something wierd for a substitue and takes away the good stuff.

    •Egg, large - 6 grams protein
    •Milk, 1 cup - 8 grams
    •Cottage cheese, ½ cup - 15 grams
    •Yogurt, 1 cup – usually 8-12 grams, check label
    •Soft cheeses (Mozzarella, Brie, Camembert) – 6 grams per oz
    •Medium cheeses (Cheddar, Swiss) – 7 or 8 grams per oz
    •Hard cheeses (Parmesan) – 10 grams per oz

    Beans (including soy) Have fat but healthy fat. Everything in moderation!

    •Tofu, ½ cup 20 grams protein
    •Tofu, 1 oz, 2.3 grams
    •Soy milk, 1 cup - 6 -10 grams
    •Most beans (black, pinto, lentils, etc) about 7-10 grams protein per half cup of cooked beans
    •Soy beans, ½ cup cooked – 14 grams protein
    •Split peas, ½ cup cooked – 8 grams
    Nuts and Seeds
    •Peanut butter, 2 Tablespoons - 8 grams protein
    •Almonds, ¼ cup – 8 grams
    •Peanuts, ¼ cup – 9 grams
    •Cashews, ¼ cup – 5 grams
    •Pecans, ¼ cup – 2.5 grams
    •Sunflower seeds, ¼ cup – 6 grams
    •Pumpkin seeds, ¼ cup – 8 grams
    •Flax seeds – ¼ cup – 8 grams (your body does not break this down, ground is the best way to take in flax or buy flaxseed oil)
  • Talazws
    Talazws Posts: 101 Member
    Have you tried edamame beans? You can get them shelled and frozen at Trader Joe's and other markets. A half cup alone has 13 grams of protein and 5 grams of fat, give or take. Just put them in boiling water, then eat!

    Another option is nutritional yeast. 2 tablespoons gives you 7 grams of protein, and 1 gram of fat. You can sprinkle it on lots of different foods and mix it in to sauces. I put mine on baked potatoes, tofu, in my salad dressing, etc. You can buy it in the bulk section of Whole Foods, or most natural food stores.

    As a vegan, I am always looking for ways to incorporate protein into my diet!
  • bkelley32148
    bkelley32148 Posts: 279 Member
    there is an amazing website called dietdirect.com. I ordered some bariwise stuff that is low calories high protein yummy and inexpensive. One of my favorites is grape flavored protein powder that i mix with a crystal light and water. I has 70 cals, 2 carbs, and 15 grams of protein.
  • deathtaco
    deathtaco Posts: 237
    Whey Protein
    Skim Greek Yogurt
    Chicken breasts (Turkey has a higher fat content)
    Casein Protein
    Cottage Cheese
    Fish (Fats are good)
    Lean Steaks (Ribeye for example, marinated flank steak, sirloin)
    Egg Whites

    Also, limit the amount of processed carbs you take in. Have a nice bowl of real oatmeal, veggies and a little bit of fruit. A lot of the processed carbs have a lot of fat, which makes staying under fat limits with high protein sources a bit harder.

    Fats =/= evil :)
  • lisaidem
    lisaidem Posts: 194 Member
    The reason I am aiming for 160 g of protein each day is because I don't want more than 40% of my calories to come from carbs (also 160 g), and I don't want more than 20% of the calories to come from fat, so I'm left with 40% of my cals from protein. If I don't eat that much protein, and I want to make my calorie goals, I have to eat either more fat or more carbs--neither of which are good options for me. I am at risk for diabetes, so I do not want to increase my carbs.

    I do eat a serving of protein at every meal, but even if I had a full serving of chicken at every meal, that is still less than 100g of protein for the day. I will look into the whey protein powder. Thanks everyone!
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