Always Low On Protein...

its important to eat protein throughout the day...and that's precisely what protein powder is for...a quick protein fix. get one without a lot of fat and carbs. I use Protein Freeze (which is probably still on sale because they are about to, or have recently updated the product with Fit Freeze). I mix the Protein Freeze with water, stir, and drink. pretty tasty. 130 calories with 22 grams of protein. However, its called Protein Freeze because you can also freeze it with peanut butter to max ice cream and popsicles (recipes on the website). I haven't done this and I'm looking forward to Fit Freeze because you're supposed to be able to make that stuff without the PB.

greek yogurt's full of protein, you can buy pre-mixed protein drinks to have at work (i really like atkins), for breakfast I had the same problem, no time. I got an idea on here to make egg muffins; make them on the weekend then freeze them wrapped individually so that you can take out one and a time. They freeze really well and are really easy to make.

here's my personal version:
12 large eggs
1 whole bell pepper (chopped small)
1 zucchini (chopped small)
1 portobello mushroom cap (chopped small)
1 cup frozen chopped spinach
1 cup your choice thick sliced lunchmeat chopped into small pieces
1 cup shredded cheese
1) Spray a frying pan with cooking spray and put burner on medium-high heat. Add all chopped veggies and cook to your desired tenderness. Once cooked, put veggies in a strainer and run under cold water for a minute or two to cool, then press with a spatula or large spoon to get as myuch moisture out of the veggies as possible (cooling them so they dont do funny things to the uncooked eggs and pressing them so that when you later re-heat to eat them a bunch of water wont drain all over the plate)
2) Preheat oven to 325 degrees and spray a muffin pan (12 regular sized muffins) well with cooking spray.
3) In a large mixing bowl crack 12 whole large eggs and beat with whisk until yolks and whites are well blended. Add your veggies, cheese, and small chopped lunchmeat- mix well.
4) Get a ladel and fill each muffin tin to the top with egg mixture and bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes or so (it's a good idea to lay a sheet of foil under the muffin tin when cooking JUST IN CASE it runs over. Typically though they cook outside in so they rise like little souffles without running all over). Eggs will no longer be shiny and will be a light brown color on top. (finish under low broiler if you want a browner look to the top)
5) Cool completely then individually wrap each egg muffin in saran wrap. Store in a ziplock bag and freeze. Take out enough for breakfast each morning and defrost in the microwave (or put in fridge the night before to defrost).

makes 12, about 118 calories each, 11g protein, 7g fat each. REALLY easy, and easy to changeup ingredients if you get tired of them

bump, as I have the same problem being a pesca-vegetarian. I eat fish but not enough, looking for suggestions for high protein foods or maybe protein powder like the OP.

I used to not want to do protein powder either. But I went through an illness in the summer and couldn't eat, so I got some just to keep my energy up, and continued using it after I got well. It's really kind of wonderful.

But you don't have to do protein powder to get protein. Take some hard-boiled eggs with your lunch, and cut them up in a salad if you dont' want to eat them plain. Or a can of tuna or canned chicken (also good in a salad, or a sandwich). Grilled chicken. If you don't have a fridge, just carry them in an insulated lunchbox with a cold pack. Easy peasy.

I think a protein drink after working out is a great idea, and maybe at breakfast if that is easier for you. It is hard for me to get enough protein most of the time, but is also one of my goals. On days where I get 100 grams I find I am not hungry and don't crave junk food as much.
I like the protein powder I got at GNC, it is called Amp Wheybolic, I think. I got chocolate and vanilla and they are both good just mixed with water, or blended with a frozen banana when I am at home. It is about 100 calories per scoop and 20 grams of protein per scoop.
I did Jillian Michaels vanilla protein shake and it was really tasty but only 15 grams of protein and almost 200 calories, as I recall. It was premixed in packs of four which was convenient and not terribly expensive.
I don't know what your arangement at work is like, we have a fridge and microwave so I would make up a crustless quiche with eggs and egg white (and ham and mushroom and onion for me) in a pie plate and had it work to take a piece every morning when I got in and that was helpful for me.

bump, as I have the same problem being a pesca-vegetarian. I eat fish but not enough, looking for suggestions for high protein foods or maybe protein powder like the OP.

Nuts, beans, lentils, legumes, veggie burgers, protein shakes and bars.

I used to be an anti protein powder person, until I've seen the results using it after my weight training workouts. I can definatley see the definition more than I used to, and it keeps me full longer as well. I use Six Star Pro Nutrition Professional Strength Whey Protein: Elite Series. It doesn't taste that bad (I love the Vanilla Creme one) and it works.

I'd recommend trying to get more protein from natural foods than from powders or bars first. As mentioned Nuts, Eggs, Beans and Tofu are all great sources of protein that can be easily prepared ahead of time. If you simply cannot get enough protein in that way, then yes you can turn to the powder or bars (I'd recommend the powder before bars since bars usually have a lot of carbs and sugar alcohols). There's nothing wrong with the powders, it's just if you can get it from regular foods it's a more sustainable and cheaper approach.