In college, not getting enough protein

caraechris
caraechris Posts: 6 Member
edited November 12 in Food and Nutrition
I've been on mfp for about a month now, and I've just started to pay attention to my macros. I've noticed that I'm not getting nearly enough protein and somedays I don't even get half of what I should. I'm in college and I don't eat meat, so it's a little challenging for me to find protein (I'm a freshman so I live in a dorm and eat in the dining halls). Can anyone give any suggestions as to how I might get more protein in my diet?

Replies

  • soccerkon26
    soccerkon26 Posts: 596 Member
    I'm in college too so I understand!

    - if you're eating salad, try adding beans and a hard boiled egg
    - Get a turkey sandwich
    - Eat more chicken/meat and less pizza/French fries

    These are some of the things I have tried to do when eating in the dining hall. :) if you have some extra money, maybe try purchasing a protein powder or protein bars. If you go to the Quest bar's website, you can put in your address and they will mail you 2 free ones. :)
  • Ladiebug710
    Ladiebug710 Posts: 133 Member
    Eggs, milk, cheese, beans are all great sources of protein. If you are vegan you may need to supplement
  • caraechris
    caraechris Posts: 6 Member
    soccerkon26 wrote: »

    - Get a turkey sandwich
    - Eat more chicken/meat and less pizza/French fries

    These are some of the things I have tried to do when eating in the dining hall. :) if you have some extra money, maybe try purchasing a protein powder or protein bars. If you go to the Quest bar's website, you can put in your address and they will mail you 2 free ones. :)

    Thanks! I actually don't eat meat but I'll look into protein powder or bars!
  • RodaRose
    RodaRose Posts: 9,562 Member
    Talk to the people in charge of dining. They will accommodate your needs.
    Breakfast is a good meal because it has egg selections.
  • AmazonMayan
    AmazonMayan Posts: 1,168 Member
    For the protein powders, see if sample packs are available so you can see which you like before you invest in a big tub of it. Some are good...and some are like one I have now that I am choking down on days I'm not hitting protein levels.
  • Sugarbeat
    Sugarbeat Posts: 824 Member
    Eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt, beans, and peanut butter are all good for protein and are relatively cheap. I've also noticed that oatmeal, of all things, has a little protein.
  • acheben
    acheben Posts: 476 Member
    If you have a mini fridge in your dorm, you could try keeping string cheese, yogurt, or hard boiled eggs in there for a quick and easy snack. Try and make sure that you're eating protein at each meal.

    A lot of colleges offer nutritionists to their students and staff now, so see if that is an option for you and they might have some good suggestions based on the dining hall offerings.
  • kimw91
    kimw91 Posts: 355 Member
    Opt for (Greek) yogurt or eggs at breakfast. I also find that I eat a lot more protein when I have a salad or so for lunch, because I will sub extra protein (egg, beans, fish) for my carbs (bread, pasta etc.), which are easier to hit. You can do the same at dinner: have an extra serving of protein (or some yogurt for dessert).
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