HCB's Journal, 08 March 2014

Have you tried protein drinks? or Lara Bars? They have good natural protein. I eat them sometimes for a snack. 

Then March Madness it is! We are cheering for you.  

I just got a protein powder at Walmart called EAS it was $17 something with tax. I got the chocolate it's very good. They have tons of protein powders there even ones that help build muscle. It's in the pharmacy area if you go. GNC is a good place as well to get stuff but they're way more expensive. Also beans are good in protein but a little high in carbs. I've been doing the 60-75 grams of protein a day because I'm getting surgery. If you need some idea on meals I have a website that you might like. Best of luck to you! :)  

IF you guys notice my Food Diary - I have been using protein powder for a couple years and use it daily...but it is still hard to get the protein grams up to 130 grams! 

Can you do nuts?  

I like Dannon Light & Fit Greek yogurt - 12g protein, 0 fat, 80 calories. 

Most yogurts have too many carbs and fake sweeteners for me. I do eat nuts! 

HCB... ditto. It is difficult. I've started combining my protein with cottage cheese (not very appetizing looking, but tasty) and chobani plain yogurt. Good protein. Might even throw in a tbs of flax seed or chia. New Beginnings... up your protein to over 100. And post-op, get it up there and even higher. Maybe around 115-125. Also add C's. 1000mg twice daily.  

Is flax or chia a source of protein? 

Greek yogurt is best. As long as you're consuming those yogurts that CONTAIN live cultures (not just made from, then the carb count reduces. Read here for detailed info and eat your yogurt!! http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/whattoeat/a/yogurtcarbs.htm 

Just keep in mind that the body can only absorb around twenty five to thirty grams of protein at a time. Anything beyond that is either just a waste or even stored as fat. 

Be careful. Excess protein is converted to glucose, which can mess with blood sugar. Also if you are eating high protein, and low fat, you can end up with gallbladder issues. People often associate Atkins or paleo with high protein, and low carb. They are actually a high fat, low carb, and moderate protein diet. The difference between paleo and Atkins is that paleo is often more concerned with food quality than just the macronutrients. Bad fats are polyunsaturated like corn oil, canola oil, soybean oil, etc. Basically fats extracted from vegetables or seeds. Good fats are things like coconut oil, palm kernel oil, grass-fed butter and meats, or pasture raised meat. I think it is important to think about fitness and health before weight. Weight is only one measure of health. More important are things like having low blood sugar and low triglycerides, and high HDL. These things will help you live a healthier life, rather than being at a low weight but having lots of health issues. I suggest Gary Taubes book, "Why We Get Fat?". Changed my mind drastically about fats, and changed my health profile as well. Haven't even had a cold in two years. Used to get one after another all through the winter, and each would last at least two weeks. 

What constitutes excess protein? I've always been under the impression that when active 150/daily is good. I'd like to see a link or two about excess protein, conversion to sugar or stored as fat.  

Excess protein is different for each individual. But I have read that our bodies can only absorb 30g at a time, so it's important to spread it out through the day. I have also read that if you take in more protein than digested at a time it can be eventually converted to fat too. But it's always good to do your own research. 

The Swedish 'diet doctor' says to use a % formula for you total foods. Google him @ LCHF diet. For beginners has good basic information.  

Thanks - dboza. I checked out the website and it is good basic information and I follow most of the ideas with the exception of eating high fat proteins like bacon, etc. 

Twice a year I do a body composition and on the advice of the guy doing it, who is also a trainer, I'm to have 115g protein per day to aid muscle growth and strength because of being active (most of the time). I questioned this amount and went to various health sites and what he suggested is within reason for a person my age and size and with the weight loss. Looking at BodyBuilding.com, it is the muscle guys who slam down 100g protein at a shot. And their bodies are capable of processing that amount. Most of us spread it out through out the day. I have been consuming huge amounts (or trying to) of protein the last few weeks in preparation for surgery and for post-op recovery along with 2,000 C's daily. I feel comfortable with my intake and do wish at times I did more as I'm lucky to get above 60-70 at times.