Craving protein since working out regularly - is this a thing?

It seems very plausible, though I haven't experienced that.

How much protein had you been getting, before you increased workouts? How much protein are you getting now, on average?

I'm one of those people who thinks that 0.6-0.8g or so per pound of healthy body weight is a reasonable goal during weight loss, when active, which equates to around 0.8-1g per pound of lean body mass (LBM), for a lot of people.

At that level during loss, I didn't have protein cravings (despite workouts 6 days most of the time), though I did/do find adequate protein to be part of my personal satiation formula, which may be close to the same concept.

Nowadays, in maintenance, I shoot for 100g minimum as a nice round number (usually exceed it), and it's around 0.8 x weight in pounds, but a little above what I'd guess 1 x LBM actually is. (I am vegetarian, ovo-lacto, eat plenty of dairy, but few eggs, no protein powder/bars.)

Just so you know: Those ratios are higher than what USDA/WHO and the like recommend for basic nutrition, below what's sometimes recommended by sites very focused on maximizing muscle mass increase. If you want more info, these links from an up-to-date evidence-based site, one generally regarded as neutral (doesn't sell supplements):

https://examine.com/guides/protein-intake/
https://examine.com/nutrition/protein-intake-calculator/

For contrast, you can get somewhat personalized USDA recommendations for protein (and other nutrients) here:

https://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/dri-calculator/

Following a heavy lifting workout, I tend to crave hamburgers. If it fits my macros based upon dinner plans, I will give in to my craving. If not, then chicken makes a good substitute, lol. Thought for a while I was merely hungry, but I find eating a well-balanced lunch with a salad, fruit and soup just doesn't quite satisfy me as much on a lifting day as it does on a non-lifting day.

LenGray wrote: »

I tend to prioritize protein in general, but especially when I'm working out.

If you'd like to stick to the veggie days, snacks like chia pudding with soy milk, roasted edamame or chickpeas, smoothies, or even something like quinoa and lentil roll-ups can be satisfying and high protein. Also, don't forget more processed plant-based products like seitan, tofu, or chickpea flour, which can be made into mock meats, 'cheese', and/or eggy dishes. Those are high-protein, as well as being pretty tasty ;p

Yes, OP, if the subtext here is that you'd prefer a more veggie-based way of eating, with less meat, there's no reason that can't work. I'm long-time vegetarian (almost 47 years), haven't had any major struggle getting to the protein levels I suggested upthread, without eating meat or fish . . . or protein powder/bars/faux meats (not that there's anything wrong with those IMO, I just don't personally find them tasty/filling). I do eat dairy (quite a lot) and eggs (few), but I'm pretty confident I could hit my protein targets eating entirely plant-based.

The post I quoted has some great suggestions for doing that, and if that's part of what you're wrestling is, there's more I could add about vegetarian protein strategizing.

Best wishes!