Do I need more protein?

Question

I have recently lost about 25 lbs and hope to lose another 40. I have stopped eatting after 6pm, have gone from about 4,000 calories a day to about 2,000 and am eatting 4-6 small meals and having little snacks throughout the day. I have starting eatting more whole grains and bran and only drink water, milk and green tea. I am feeling really healthy and the weight is slowly coming off. Oh, and I am exercising regularly also.

My problem is I feel like I'm not getting enough protein. How much should I be consuming daily? I love fish but am not all that into chicken or red meat but I will eat them each maybe once or twice a week. I do not EVER eat eggs and I'm allergic to nutts.

Should I just starting adding whey to the foods I'm already eatting?

Thanks!

Answer 1

If you are already eating grains there are tons of grains that are high in protiens. If your body is saying "more protien please" you probably need more. Try mixing legumes and rice which is a complex-carbohydrate and converts to protien easily in the body, I like brown rice and lentils. Even if you overeat a complex carbo you will not gain fat from it as the energy it takes to digest exceeds the energy surplus. Quinoa is another grain that is very high in protien and yoummy nutty flavor too, it cooks up fast and easy like oatmeal and makes a great side dish or salad topper.

Answer 2

Actually, it's a common misconception about the whole need for protein. Yes, we do need protein to help build and maintain healthy muscles, but it's actually almost impossible to not get enough protein in your diet. If you are consuming enough calories, chances are you are getting enough protein. Most Americans actually get 3-4 times as much protein as is needed by the human body in a typical day. Now you may say that this is not particularly a bad thing... that it will just cause protein rich urine, right? Actually, excess protein can lead to osteoperosis over the years. It does this by removing calcium from the blood stream. It is far more important to watch the intake levels of calcium and protein in conjuction with each other, than just being concerned about your protein intake. Do not eat too much protein, and make sure you are getting enough calcium. I think you will be okay though since you said you avoided things like read meat and chicken. These are very unhealthy foods that contain an overly excessive amount of protein that deplete your body's supply of calcium which is needed for maintainance of a healthy skeleton.

Answer 3

What signs are telling you that you need more protein?

Ok, go with 1 gram of protein for each pound of body weight. I'll use myself: 185lbs = 185 grams of protein. But I weight lift 3 times a week so then it goes to 1.5 to 2 grams per body weight.

Drop down to 1,800 calories.

If you don't like fish, chicken, turkey or red meat, you will need some good protein powder. Anything 88% or higher, but no Whey Protein until you have lost the weight you desire.

Exercise regularly meaning 30 to 40 minutes Cardio 3 to 5 times a week?????

Answer 4

You don't need red meat or eggs. No chicken either. It is good you love fish because fish is a better source of protein than anything else. Eat sushi if you like it, that is a dose of protein right there, unaffected by cooking. Also, try some of the soy products around like tofu, soy milk, or the frozen products by Morningstar Farms and Boca, found at most grocery stores. You sound like you are doing it right. Keep it up.

Answer 5

Try Kelp powder available from most health food stores. Vegetarians use it to make gravy
I'm not calling you a Vegetarian but I am however in one way you're better than me cause you don't eat eggs. I do no animal is killed for eggs! I hope you're not starving yourself! Are you eating enough fruit? Small meals are far better than big meals so you are on the right track!

Answer 6

there are all types of protien shakes that you can take that are great for dieters trying to keep up with all the nutrients the body needs!.. and it the shakes aren't for you.. a great alternative is beans!... the best is Lentil beans.. they have a ton of protien and aren't too high in fat... plus there are suppliments for people who are vegitarians that need more protien.. check any Whole Foods or Trader Joes if you have any around you.. basically any organic foods place.... or a GNC.... Well best of luck to you and keep it up... you're doing awsome!!!

Answer 7

you might want to try a protein supplement mixed with some skim milk. that's what helped me...but check with your dr about getting all the nutrients you need with your diet.

in the meantime, keep up the good work!!

Answer 8

Add whey protein to your meal once a day.

Answer 9

Whey, wheat germ and legumes.

Answer 10

...yeah..my first thought was a bad one....