Foods that are high in protein

[jay&erinn]

I'm 26 weeks pregnant and have finally figured out that I have reactive hypoglycemia. I spent the second half of my first pregnancy blacking out, having heart palpitations, and in general being pretty miserable. This time around I finally figured out that it's the foods that I eat that trigger the episodes. Since cutting out most sugar and a lot of carbs, I'm able to function. I'm still not feeling like I do when not pregnant, but at least I can still drive, and take care of my 2 year old without worrying about her safety if I can't function.

I've been eating a lot of protein the past 3 weeks. However, since I don't really like meat or eggs, it's been hard. I miss my carbs (I'm a big pasta lover) and sugar at times (pregnancy brings out my sugar cravings). I bought protein powder today and attempted a shake, but it tasted horrible. I need some ideas- both on how to use the protein powder and on some other low carb, high protein foods. Between this "diet" and the restrictions with pregnancy (not much sugar substitute and only having fish twice a week), I'm feeling really limited. Any suggestions?

[bookworm]

Can you handle high-fiber carbs? If so, I find that a breakfast of a whole-wheat english muffin and a vegetarian sausage patty is not bad, and high in protein.

I know a lot of cheese isn't great for you, but I have low-fat string cheese for snacks. And I finally figured out how to make a real greek-tasting salad--chopped cucumber, tomato, shallot (onion would be more authentic, but I can't handle them), olives, feta cheese (that is the protein part--and as cheese goes feta isn't bad), evoo, lemon juice, and parsley. You can make a batch and eat it for a day or two.

Can't help on the protein powder--it grosses me out.

ETA: Forgot to say that I am sorry you are going through this, and best wishes for a healthy pregnancy :).

[carrie9142]

Do you like cottage cheese? It is a good source of protein.

Others I can think of: beans, tofu, cheese, yogurt. Kashi cereal has a good mix of fiber and protein (for cereal).

Tomorrow I will bust out my old nutrition book and see what else I can find.

[jay&erinn]

carrie: I just bought cottage cheese. It's not my favorite, but it'll do for something different. As for tofu, I have no idea how to use the stuff. Any ideas or simple recipes?

bookworm: I can handle high fiber carbs later in the day, in small portions. I orignially tried wheat toast with peanut butter for breakfast and felt horrible. The greek salad sounds good- I'll have to try it.

Thanks for your ideas.

[tlew12778]

Also, try the vegetarian stuff in the frozen food aisle for fast, quick meals. Stuff like veggie burgers and what not usually have a lot of protein (read the labels).

Visit the vegetarian meals thread in the cooking section and you will find recipes for tofu. The easiest thing to do with it (IMO) is stirfy it with some veggies and soy-sauce (I add garlic and white pepper as well).

What about yogurt? Greek yogurt is higher in protein than regular yogurts.

[LUMBERCHIC13]

Just thought I'd give ou a few suggestions on using the protein powder. I mix mine with milk not water like most suggest. Try putting a scoop in the blender with some milk and fruit (I use strawberries or banannas.) it makes it into a smoothy. I also found that you can mix it into yogurt or sugarfree pudding. Hope this helps. Also may I ask what brand of protein powder you purchased ? My FH is a bodybuilder and we've tried quite a few different ones. Not all portien powders taste the same or have the same consistancy when mixed and that can make all the difference when trying to get it down. :)

[jennylou]

Don't forget nuts! They are high in protien and good fats. :)

Also, avacado is something that I ate a lot while on SBD.

I eat whole wheat pasta. I'd imagine you could have a small amount of that (think side portion) with a peice of meat and be okay.

[JamBray]

Tempeh is another great source of protein. It's fermented soybeans, and IMO has a much better texture and taste than tofu. I've put it in stir fry dishes and it's really yummy.

Since plain cottage cheese can be kind of boring try putting it over some fruit (nectarines are my favorite), or toast a piece of bread, slather with cottage cheese and top with tomato...really good.

[Secret_Squirrel]

I know you said you don't like meat or eggs, but what about turkey bacon? Louis Rich turkey bacon can be a good source of quick protein.

Cottage cheese, yogurt and nuts are also good suggestions already mentioned. How do you feel about beans and lentils? A half cup of lentils has 9 grams of protein and I really like lentil soup.

[nektarine]

i second tempeh! it's got more fat, but a LOT more protein and just all-around tastier, IMO. you could also buy the really soft form of tofu, and mix it into shakes with your protein powder. i personally prefer whey-protein powder over soy-powder, because it tastes less gritty. you can usually pick up 1-serving packets at the health food store if you wanted to give the whey-protein a try.

Mon Cuisine makes some of the highest protein vegetarian TV dinners i've found, e.g., their "Salisbury Steak" dinner has 37 grams of protein, 320 calories and only 7 grams of fat. i've tried their other tv-dinners, but Salisbury Steak is still my favorite. it's not the most delicious meal in the world, but tasty enough to eat once a week for some extra protein. just be sure to not over-cook it -i've done this and it's gross! you can find them in the kosher section of the freezer aisle.

Quinoa is a great grain with extra protein, and low glycemic index. you can make vegetable pilafs with it, as you would cous cous. barley is another good one that might help to satisfy your carb cravings!

[jay&erinn]

Thanks for all the great suggestions.

I guess I need to make a trip to one of the specialty grocery stores. The basic stores close to home have a very limited selection of "specialty" foods.

The closest Whole Foods is about 40 minutes away, but would probably be worth the trip to get me out of my food rut.

[bethnjim]

Any suggestions on foods that are high in protein?? I know beans, but not sure how to actually cook them and have them incorporated where we won't feel like we are constantly eating beans.

Any suggestions on actual high protein foods or recipes would be great!!!

[Hello Kitty]

Why? :p

The reason I ask is that IMO depending on your reasons for wanting protein, there are different suggestions people can give you. Are you looking for vegetarian sources? Non-carb/non-fat alternatives to eating? Protein on the cheap? Are you into weight lifting, have a special dietary concern, or just don't think you eat enough protein? What kind of grams/serving are you trying to look at getting in?

A lot of food has protein, but DH and I eat a good amount of it, so I'll rattle off our staples. We (general) can only digest so many g of protein before it just passes through ;) so I try to make sure that don't eat more than we can absorb in one meal.

Cottage cheese
Tuna, fish
lean chicken, beef, pork
Milk
Whole grains
Eggs

You might also find some other suggestions here (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=17491&highlight=protein). Also, check out bodybuilding mags/sites for lots of other recipes and tips.

[bethnjim]

My main reason is to help my digestive system "process" foods better!! :) I have been having some issues lately and thought eating more protein might help. I also would like to eat more to feel fuller longer which hopefully will aid in losing some more weight. I work out 6 days a week with The Biggest Loser DVD and now I have working out under control, I thought I would start taking a better look at what I am putting into my body!!

Thanks for any help you can give!!

[flygirl]

My main reason is to help my digestive system "process" foods better!! :) I have been having some issues lately and thought eating more protein might help. I also would like to eat more to feel fuller longer which hopefully will aid in losing some more weight.
In that case, go for high-fiber foods. Most Americans already get plenty of protein, and too much can be bad for you (see this article (http://www.thedoctorwillseeyounow.com/articles/nutrition/protein_2/) from thedoctorwillseeyounow.com). Fiber, on the other hand, does exactly what you want: fills you up & helps things along. One pretty obvious source is Metamucil (http://www.metamucil.com/) (or other natural supplements). It's best known as a laxative, but it's just bulk-forming fiber & supplements fiber in your diet, much the way multi-vits supplement vitamins. Also, here (http://www.fatfreekitchen.com/fiberlist.html) is a good list of high-fiber foods. Some of my favorites not mentioned are Clif Bars (http://www.clifbar.com/eat/eat.cfm?location=bar) (5g fiber, 10g protein) and Nature's Path Organic Optimal Fuel Blueberry Cereal (10g fiber, 8g protein) (http://www.naturespath.com/products/cold_cereals/optimum_r_cereals/optimum_power). (Nature's Path (http://www.naturespath.com/) has all kinds of great foods.)

[WestieMomma]

I know you said you tried protein shakes and they were gross but I wanted to share this link with you that has a bunch of yummy recipes for protein shakes. http://www.criticalbench.com/proteinshakerecipes.htm

[Hello Kitty]

Beth&Jim - I agree with Flygirl - protein is necessary, but make sure you're getting enough dietary fiber too, as a lot of people neglect that one. Too much protein can have the opposite intended effect. :o

Try to make all of your meals/snacks out of a lean protein and a complex/fiberous carbohydrate with healthy fats added in throughout the day. I guess what I'm saying is that the old 'balanced diet' approach seems to work really well. But I know its easier said than done (myself included!).

Try Fitday.com for a few days and see what you're eating and when. Look at the split of P/F/C and see how it is. Just eat what you normally do, and see what comes from where. You may find you lean towards one or another, or are grossly deficient in one.