Protein...

Alright, so I need to add more protein into my snacks. I'd like to have about 40-50% carbs, 25ish% protein and 25ish% fats, but on my "not paying attention to macros" phase I haven't been hitting my protein %.

So, what I need is ideas. I know, eggs, yogurt, cheese, but I need some recipes or snacks that are interesting and (hopefully) quick to prepare.

Help? I'm tired of trying to chow down an oz of almonds.

You could belend protein powder, greek yogurt, some fruit, and ice or milk for a tasty smoothie packed full of protein!

Dairy products contain only moderate amounts of protein. I suggest cooked meat, chicken, seafood, etc. if you really need to add protein. A chicken breast can really jack up your protein intake for the day.

In the evenings I'll make a smoothie with fruit, ice, protein powder, soy milk, and water. I do about half and half on the milk and water, add a 1/2 or full scoop of protein powder (depending on cals for the day) and whatever frozen fruit I feel like, add a little ice, blend and YUM. The kids love the smoothies too and it only takes a minute to make. If I want the protein during the day, I'll mix the powder with some soy milk and throw it in the frige at work for a quick easy snack. Otherwise, I'm with you, I've been searching for easy protein filled snacks, but a lot of my searches yeild the same things as you listed. If you find a really good recipe or anything you'll have to post it. Good luck!!

Skip the regular yogurt and focus on Greek yogurt, especially the not-flavored kind. Craptons of protein.

Another favorite of mine is string cheese, either wrapped in a few slices of shaved turkey OR with a handful of turkey pepperoni (17 slices per serving, and tasty as heck!).

My lazy-lady way is to head for the protein powder too, though. I use Syntrax Nectar because they have awesome fruit flavors. Caribbean Cooler and Pink Grapefruit are the two flavors I've tried, both good. 23g protein per scoop, which is about 100 calories.

Besides the obvious ones...

I'm a shake girl too , unsweetened almond milk, ice, frozen fruit, protein powder, pb or PB2, pudding mix, greek yogurt, sugar fee syrups, vanilla...just mix and match!


Roll up turkey or chicken with hummus in a lettuce leaf


I found a protein bread called P28. It's really expensive but a great alternative and the slices are huge! One slice with some pb, cream cheese etc is good. Not total protein but a good balance.


I'll mix low sodium tuna with low fat mayo or taztziki and maybe some cucs or celery (my sis eats the tuna straight with hot sauce!) I make tuna cakes too that are yummy and reheat ok.


Sugar free pudding with protein powder mixed in


And check out what I just found! I'll be trying some of these withthe kids!!
http://www.livestrong.com/slideshow/556857-20-delicious-protein-powder-recipes-that-are-not-shakes/#slide-6

Another I think I'm trying for a breakfast for work since only needs a microwave...
Blueberry Flax Microwave Muffins: Making muffins from scratch each morning is easier than you might think. Mix ¼ cup quick-cooking oats, 1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 2 tablespoons ground flax, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, 2 egg whites, and a sprinkle of sugar (or other natural sweetener) in a microwave-safe Tupperware container. Cook on high for 50 to 60 seconds. Let it cool, throw a top on it, and enjoy whenever the hunger pangs hit.

Chicken Breast. For me, a great protein source.

Thanks guys, knew I'd get some ideas from here.

Problem is, I'm not a big meat eater. I DO like fish though and I'll have to start eating some more tuna and make lettuce and turkey wraps for mid-morning snack. Also, ditching the regular non-fat yogurt and going with Greek. Possibly full fat to get that up as well.

As far as chicken breasts, I could go my whole life without eating another one. I can get about 2-3 oz of meat (chicken breast or beef) a day and be fine. Only thing is then my protein % starts to look sad. lol

I don't much care for chicken breasts myself, but I eat them often because they are a convenient and inexpensive source of protein. I've done the unsweetened full-fat greek yogurt thing, but I've got to be in the mood. For this phase of my diet that's a little high in carbs.

I had been eating 2-3 oz of meat twice a day and suddenly realized I was developing a protein deficiency (mad cravings) when I started lifting weights. So for the time being I have to eat more, and will attempt to back off later.

I hear ya on the chicken breast thing. That's my main source of protein and I'm sick sick sick of it. I've probably prepared it a thousand different ways but in the end...it's still just chicken... (wah wah wah...)

Remember the scene (if indeed you did see it) from the movie Forest Gump where Forest Gump's military buddy Bubba was naming all the different ways you can prepare shrimp? Just picture that only with chicken, and reciting over and over and over in my head...LOL!

Anyhow, I'm just so sick of chicken but you are right. It's inexpensive and quick to prepare. I only like certain types of fish but I'm not going to go out and buy halibut everyday! I try and try but just can't seem to master red meat. It just never seems to turn out very well. And shrimp? Just too high in cholesterol to eat often. You get the idea. Any suggestions perhaps. How can we kick the chicken-addiction?!

CG

Grilled chicken, sauteed chicken, roasted chicken, chicken with vegetables, baked chicken, chicken tacos...

lol

I went and bought some Greek yogurt (which I have been enjoying with frozen strawberries and 1 tbsp of coconut) and cottage cheese which I LOVE and totally forgot about. Just a sprinkle of pepper and life is beautiful. Also bought some sliced turkey for lettuce wraps with red pepper hummus.

Thanks for the brain kickstart!

eKatherine, that's exactly what my problem was lately. I started working out a few weeks ago (HIIT workouts) and I can tell I need more protein.

Option to the chicken thing since it gets old FAST... do you like pork? Roasted pork tenderloin is great protein, low fat and stays moist. I make more than I need and use left overs to make wraps, throw it on salads or just snack on it plain.

Who isn't sick of chicken! I too struggle with getting enough protein in my diet. I have added some vegan recipes to my meals plan. I have found many delicious ways to get proteins without the standard lean meats .

The cholesterol hypothesis of heart disease has been completely debunked. If you do not consume cholesterol, your body will make it. Eat all the shrimp you want.