Protein: Necessary?

siouxperwoman
siouxperwoman Posts: 45
edited November 8 in Food and Nutrition
Hello,

Obviously, some protein is necessary. But I am not getting enough protein in my diet. I never even come close to how much I should be eating.

I tend to eat all my carbs, but be about 300 cal under, only eating a tiny bit of protein, a little over half of my fat allowance and cholesterol allowance.

How important is protein, besides the fact that it fills you up? I am never really hungry all that much, so I don't need it for that.

Any high protein, not meat/beans/eggs?

Thanks!
-Kayla

Replies

  • LabRat529
    LabRat529 Posts: 1,323 Member
    Protein is extremely important, actually. The proteins in your body are constantly breaking down and being rebuilt. With out the proper building blocks, your body just can't repair itself right. You could be eating twice the calories you're eating and still be malnourished if your not eating enough protein.

    You also need good quality proteins- proteins that offer all essential amino acids.

    There are plenty of high protein plants, but a lot of them are beans/legumes. Do you not like beans or something? If you're vegan, (you sound like you're vegan) you really should learn to eat them. They're really a great food source.

    If you can't stomach them, then you should think about supplementing. There are vegan protein shakes (usually soy based) and other supplements that could help.

    Otherwise, you're going to have to hit up some vegans for ideas. I eat meat and plenty of it, so I never have to worry.
  • farmerstan
    farmerstan Posts: 18
    you can try cheese or nuts. I got most of my protein from nuts. to add protein the shakes are fastest way with the fewest cal added to your diet.
  • siouxperwoman
    siouxperwoman Posts: 45
    Uh, oh.

    And I like some beans, but only in chili and I just can't eat chili that much I would get sick of it.

    I do eat chicken. Sometimes turkey. But that is it as far as meat. And I don't eat meat everyday. I have high cholesterol so I'm supposed to stay away from red meats.

    I also drink soy milk? Not sure if that really counts towards a protein bean.

    I should really look into those shakes or some other ideas though!! Thank you!!
  • LabRat529
    LabRat529 Posts: 1,323 Member
    Here you go. This might help you. At least you'll know the minimum required amount. Once you hit that amount each day, you can fill up the rest of your day with good fats and carbs.

    http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/protein
  • thefuzz1290
    thefuzz1290 Posts: 777 Member
    Throw in a whey protein shake post-workout and you'll get an addition 25-30g.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories