Need help getting in good calories and protein

mrsherrm
mrsherrm Posts: 10 Member
edited November 26 in Food and Nutrition
I have 4 little kids, work part time, homeschool, have a lot of animals and not much time. I struggle to get in enough protein most days. Ideally I’d be able to eat a beautiful meal with lots of veggies and good lean protein but let me be honest, that doesn’t always happen. I need a shake or something I can grab and eat when I’m low on time. Any suggestions?

Replies

  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,420 Member
    I've never used supplements, so can't help you there. Grains and legumes, dairy and eggs, a little meat. That should do it. You may have to make some changes, but it's worth it. Supplements are expensive and many have lots of sugar.
  • kommodevaran
    kommodevaran Posts: 17,890 Member
    Don't you eat with your kids? What do you feed your kids? (Can't you eat some of the same things?)
  • aliblain
    aliblain Posts: 175 Member
    Greek yogurt for pud, eggs for snacks.... My impact vanilla protein is not bad for adding to shakes. If you get an unflavoured protein powder you can add it to quite a few things. When I’m making a meal for the family I tend to make a little extra of the protein component of the meal for myself then eat less of the carb component. I’m a big fan of chopping up a load of Mediterranean veg and then sticking a couple of chicken breasts on top with sundried tomato paste spread on them- it’s a one baking tray thing and it makes its own sauce. I bake them for 30 mins and I’ll make some pasta for the kids to have with it which I’ll eat extra roasted veg and chicken.
  • generallyme2
    generallyme2 Posts: 403 Member
    I have trouble getting in protein too but I don't do shakes, so here's what I usually do. Greek yogurt (I get the chobani coconut kind and mix in a tbs of PB- tastes like the inside of a Reese's). Pre-boil eggs so they're in a bowl and ready to go in your fridge. Pre-cook some chicken breasts and keep it sliced in your fridge or freezer so it's ready to go (throw it on salad, pasta, tacos, etc). I also add in an egg to my morning oatmeal when I cook it- you can't taste it at all.

    We also homeschool so I get that it's crazy. Pre-logging/planning and meal prepping lunch has been so helpful. The last two weeks, I've been making a turkey and veggie soup in the crockpot and then portioning it out into 6 lunches (each one is 179 cals, just add finger veggies or fruit to round it out). This week I'll be making an Indian cabbage type soup I was obsessed with as a teen when I friend's mom would make it.
  • generallyme2
    generallyme2 Posts: 403 Member
    kommodevaran wrote: »
    Don't you eat with your kids? What do you feed your kids? (Can't you eat some of the same things?)

    Sometimes with homeschooling (and having 4 kids!) it's easier to get things done while they're sitting down and eating. You can prep schoolwork, get a few chores in, etc. Sometimes I'll read literature to mine while they eat- which means I eat after they do. Sometimes I just hide out in my room and play online for a mental break and that's okay too ;)
  • Cbean08
    Cbean08 Posts: 1,092 Member
    Eggs and beef jerky are my go to ideas. A hardboiled egg doesn't take long to eat and it's an excellent balance of protein and fat. I also like the Ostrim or Chef's Cut beef jerky sticks. A high protein, quick and easy meal could be 2 hard boiled eggs (140 cals, 12g of protein) , 1 beef jerky stick ( 100 cals, 14 g protein) and a smoothie made with 1/2 c almond milk (20 cals), 1/2 c strawberries (30 cals) , spinach, 1 scoop vanilla whey (120 cals, 20 g protein), ice. That's 46 g of protein and under 400 calories.
  • concordancia
    concordancia Posts: 5,320 Member
    generallyme2 wrote: »
    kommodevaran wrote: »
    Don't you eat with your kids? What do you feed your kids? (Can't you eat some of the same things?)

    Sometimes with homeschooling (and having 4 kids!) it's easier to get things done while they're sitting down and eating. You can prep schoolwork, get a few chores in, etc. Sometimes I'll read literature to mine while they eat- which means I eat after they do. Sometimes I just hide out in my room and play online for a mental break and that's okay too ;)

    It would probably be healthier all around to just sit down and eat with the kids.
  • MichelleSilverleaf
    MichelleSilverleaf Posts: 2,027 Member
    Incorporate protein at every meal, and have protein-based snacks. Cheese sticks, pepperettes, little bit of greek yogurt, heck even a glass of milk. That's just a few options.
  • Butterflyasunset
    Butterflyasunset Posts: 5 Member
    mrsherm one of my main start up goals is to pick (one) day of the week and use it to prep all my foods, snacks for the week. theres 3 ways to do this. (1) once cooked/prepared -put each food into separate containers and then just grab and go or grab n heat and eat whatever you decide to eat that day. (2) put each food not only in separate containers but also divide each by serving size and place into wax paper or plastic bag. again grab n go... this just saves the time of weighing out each portion every day. (3) prep each food type or meal or snack and put the whole meal ( breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks) into a container and mark "monday- breakfast, monday lunch, monday dinner, monday snack, monday snack. cont for each day of the week. it is also helpful to chose your meals. you can either pre chose a meal for each day OR simply prep 7 days of meals, write them down and keep the list on the frig. scratch off as you use the meal. chose whats important to you. if you really want to eat healthier, youll find the time... ie; you home school. i dont know how old your children are but i believe 'home ec' and 'foods/nutrition" are acceptable lessons.... have your kids help out (as age appropropriate) and make it a family day but a life lesson as well. its a win-win. good luck

















  • Butterflyasunset
    Butterflyasunset Posts: 5 Member
    another option; shop, prep and write the list of meals once a week .... invest in a crock pot/ slow cooker. your life will be changed for everrrrr
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