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Protein Powder & Appetite Loss?

TravelsWithHuckleberry
TravelsWithHuckleberry Posts: 955 Member
in Social Groups
Hi All,

Since you're my favorite group, full of awesome, level-headed women, I'm asking you --

Could my protein powder be the reason I've lost my appetite? I'm struggling to get in 1200 calories on most days (my BMR is ~1550), but this is absolutely NOT on purpose. This is totally foreign to me, and while I'm not exactly worried, I don't want this to continue. I'm doing what I can to build in more snacks, and eat decent sized meals for the most part, but I still struggle.

I'm using BodyTech Pro 24, and usually do a 2 serving shake for breakfast. It has 120 calories per serving, 24 grams of protein, but only 3 g carbs, 1 g fat, and 1 g sugar.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Thanks,
Courtney

Replies

  • threnjen
    threnjen Posts: 687 Member
    What is your protein intake these days since you have been using it? I've realized in the last few months that I am a total carnivore and if I eat mega protein I am basically not hungry at all. Maybe you just have such a high protein intake now that you are really satiated!
  • TravelsWithHuckleberry
    TravelsWithHuckleberry Posts: 955 Member
    Between 50-125. Basically in step with overall calories (lower protein on lower cal days, etc.).
  • MissHolidayGolightly
    MissHolidayGolightly Posts: 857 Member
    Could be exercise. Have you changed your routine or added in anything new recently? I know for some people running and other cardio makes them ravenous but for me, it zaps my appetite and makes me feel kind of queasy.
  • annaskiski
    annaskiski Posts: 1,212 Member
    I specifically eat more protein to curb my appetite....so yes, of course.
  • TravelsWithHuckleberry
    TravelsWithHuckleberry Posts: 955 Member
    edited October 2014
    @MissHoliday -- This has been going on since before my return to rock climbing (and I've only gone once so far), so I don't think that's it. Otherwise, no new activity, unless you count the fact that I'm doing actual squats (vs. leg press).

    Sounds like maybe it is just the fact of more protein. I'm happy to be feeling satisfied / not overeating, but do want to be sure I'm getting enough overall cals, as well as hitting my macros for carbs and fats. Guess I just need to do some snack and meal planning.

    And of course, additional input is always welcome!

    Thanks!
    C.
  • ketoandbarbell
    ketoandbarbell Posts: 189 Member
    You have been under some stress, so it could be that. I know when i went through it, even though i was over the moon about it, it still caused me some stress and a big seizure from that stress.
  • Llamapants86
    Llamapants86 Posts: 1,221 Member
    Is there any way you could boost up the protein shake calorie wise. It's great that you have found something that helps you cut back, but it seems like it has gone a little too far in the opposite directions. Add some peanut butter or the like to the shake might help out a little bit (and if done right taste awesome!)
  • TravelsWithHuckleberry
    TravelsWithHuckleberry Posts: 955 Member
    @Massage -- Good point about the stress. My usual response is to overeat, which is one of the reasons I'm puzzling over this so much. But yes, I can't discount that as a factor.

    @ Llamapants -- Yes. I definitely need to be doing that. Will look into options that don't change the taste too much. Good plan.


    As always, thanks for your awesome input!
    xo
    C.
  • Chaskavitch
    Chaskavitch Posts: 172 Member
    I make my protein shakes with coconut milk to add more fat and keep me satisfied longer. I usually only add between 1/4 and 1/3 cup, otherwise they get pretty thick. Doesn't add a ton of flavor, and it doesn't do much to the texture either.
  • Cc215
    Cc215 Posts: 228 Member
    Stress has differing effects on me - moderate stress has me eating, and eating, and eating some more. Seriously stressed out kills my appetite - I hope that isn't the same for you!

    Protein powder also fills me up. As in I could have 5/6 scoops mixed with water thoughout the day - and not want to eat at all. (I know this because at one point I tried a stupid crash diet that told me to drink this much in protein powder a day - I felt too full to eat food - I got very ill. That's why I don't go to town with it. I do use protein powder sometimes - but only at the end of the day - and only if my protein macro is low. (On a positive note - it kills the late night munchies!)
  • TravelsWithHuckleberry
    TravelsWithHuckleberry Posts: 955 Member
    @ Chaskavitch - Good idea. I think using something other than water, and maybe adding a few other ingredients (peanut butter, spinach, fruit, etc.) will definitely help. Thanks!

    @ CC215 - I like using it as a breakfast since I'm not a huge fan of breakfast foods, but perhaps I do need to reconsider. At least I can experiment and see how I feel when I don't have a shake in the AM. Thanks for the input.

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