Getting enough protein
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Gloria,
Thanks for the suggestion to try quinoa! The link you provided had a recipe for quinoa lasagna and I made it, using GF TVP. I even tried cooking it in the microwave and it worked very well. It was very, very yummy! The quinoa seemed much lighter than rice, but kept me fuller much longer and didn't create a carb low after eating it. DH even ate leftovers the next day and he never does that. I will be using quinoa again and again. The recipe calculator I use showed it had 19.5 g of protein and 24 carbs per serving. Thanks again for the motivation to try something new!
Katie
Thanks for the suggestion to try quinoa! The link you provided had a recipe for quinoa lasagna and I made it, using GF TVP. I even tried cooking it in the microwave and it worked very well. It was very, very yummy! The quinoa seemed much lighter than rice, but kept me fuller much longer and didn't create a carb low after eating it. DH even ate leftovers the next day and he never does that. I will be using quinoa again and again. The recipe calculator I use showed it had 19.5 g of protein and 24 carbs per serving. Thanks again for the motivation to try something new!
Katie
This thread is SO interesting. I know for sure now I am not getting enough protein. I need to up my protein intake to get enough. And I have to start calculating MUCH more accurately. For this I need to buy a scale, and figure things out. (As if I wasn't spending WAY too much time in the kitchen already, and still struggling to eat).
I need to incorporate some veggies somehow into my diet. Sara, I will try your meat cupcakes. I have been nervous to add more veggies because I have had so much flaring, and am not sure what I am reacting to.
I initially lost 14 lbs very quickly, but stabilized. Right now, if I wasn't having to consume so much sugar I would be losing again, so it has one benefit beyond keeping me off PPIs.
So tomorrow shopping for a kitchen scale.
I need to incorporate some veggies somehow into my diet. Sara, I will try your meat cupcakes. I have been nervous to add more veggies because I have had so much flaring, and am not sure what I am reacting to.
I initially lost 14 lbs very quickly, but stabilized. Right now, if I wasn't having to consume so much sugar I would be losing again, so it has one benefit beyond keeping me off PPIs.
So tomorrow shopping for a kitchen scale.
Lesley - I don't have a kitchen scale. (I think about it from time to time, I admit!)
I guess-timate my protein ounces. If it's a pound of ground beef/turkey, and we make 4 burgers... that's 4 ounces each. Today I had a package of ground beef that was 1.28 pounds, and I didn't pull out my calculator, but that's more like 5 (not quite 6?) ounces if divided in 4. You can use an online resource like http://nutritiondata.self.com/ or fitday.com to figure out how many grams that turns out to be, if you're nerdy like me... or there are also good rules of thumb about portion size (I like the way the Whole30 people explain it).
One thing I liked about the meat cupcakes was that I did the math once, using that online resource, and then I just called it good. (As I recall, each cupcake was about 17g of protein.)
Those calculators were really useful to me when I was figuring out that I needed more protein, but I don't use it often, now that I'm feeling good, with stable weight. I think it's easier and faster to get the big picture of "what is a portion" than to do daily calculations of grams. My take-away lesson at the time was... bigger meat portions. (And for me, minimal carbs, and adequate/generous fat).
I don't spend much time on carb/protein/fat ratios. I'm interested in the topic, but - hey, we MCers have kitchen duty!
Sara
I guess-timate my protein ounces. If it's a pound of ground beef/turkey, and we make 4 burgers... that's 4 ounces each. Today I had a package of ground beef that was 1.28 pounds, and I didn't pull out my calculator, but that's more like 5 (not quite 6?) ounces if divided in 4. You can use an online resource like http://nutritiondata.self.com/ or fitday.com to figure out how many grams that turns out to be, if you're nerdy like me... or there are also good rules of thumb about portion size (I like the way the Whole30 people explain it).
One thing I liked about the meat cupcakes was that I did the math once, using that online resource, and then I just called it good. (As I recall, each cupcake was about 17g of protein.)
Those calculators were really useful to me when I was figuring out that I needed more protein, but I don't use it often, now that I'm feeling good, with stable weight. I think it's easier and faster to get the big picture of "what is a portion" than to do daily calculations of grams. My take-away lesson at the time was... bigger meat portions. (And for me, minimal carbs, and adequate/generous fat).
I don't spend much time on carb/protein/fat ratios. I'm interested in the topic, but - hey, we MCers have kitchen duty!
Sara
Sara,
I am not good at figuring these things out, but looking at the quantities Mary Beth posted I am nowhere near.
the only way I could force myself to eat more is by cutting out everything else, especially potatoes. I can't do that because it really helps calm my GERD. Not the healthier purple or red ones. The plain russets overcooked and mashed do it. Even then I couldn't get to those quantities. I have a hard time eating what I AM eating right now.
I am not good at figuring these things out, but looking at the quantities Mary Beth posted I am nowhere near.
the only way I could force myself to eat more is by cutting out everything else, especially potatoes. I can't do that because it really helps calm my GERD. Not the healthier purple or red ones. The plain russets overcooked and mashed do it. Even then I couldn't get to those quantities. I have a hard time eating what I AM eating right now.
Lesley, maybe using broth in mashing potatoes (which I am sure you have already thought of) would slightly up the protein? I am not a nutritional expert. It is so weird to me that meat is my super-food. And even weirder that giant salads are not my super-food.
I cannot figure these calculations out at every meal (or maybe I could, but no one would want to see the look on my face if I tried). I do occasionally do a reality check with one of those sorts of calculator web-sites. I think it helped me, though it wasn't my idea of a good time, to spend a few days pondering that.
We do a hash (sometimes like a mush, sometimes in patties) with mashed potatoes and various ground meat.
(But I truly sympathize that while you're feeling awful, even the most appetizing recipe suggestions just don't cut it.)
I cannot figure these calculations out at every meal (or maybe I could, but no one would want to see the look on my face if I tried). I do occasionally do a reality check with one of those sorts of calculator web-sites. I think it helped me, though it wasn't my idea of a good time, to spend a few days pondering that.
We do a hash (sometimes like a mush, sometimes in patties) with mashed potatoes and various ground meat.
(But I truly sympathize that while you're feeling awful, even the most appetizing recipe suggestions just don't cut it.)
Wow Sara!
I just read this whole thread! I didnt relise to eat that much protein. I mean I do incorporate protein in every meal and in some snacks....but not like you. I am going to up my intake of protein and see how I feel. I still get tired by 3-4 everyday. So I am going to try some more protein and less fruits and vegetables!
Thank you!! Definately going to make the meat cupcakes! If it wasnt so late I would right now! I have to work in Manhattan tomorrow with a 6 am start! I think I need to go to bed!
Love Robin
I just read this whole thread! I didnt relise to eat that much protein. I mean I do incorporate protein in every meal and in some snacks....but not like you. I am going to up my intake of protein and see how I feel. I still get tired by 3-4 everyday. So I am going to try some more protein and less fruits and vegetables!
Thank you!! Definately going to make the meat cupcakes! If it wasnt so late I would right now! I have to work in Manhattan tomorrow with a 6 am start! I think I need to go to bed!
Love Robin
Robin,
I think the one downside to this awesome forum is... it's very easy to stay up a little too late, because everyone is so nice, interesting, and fun. And helpful. And sleep is probably right up there with protein ;)
I don't know that my experience and research about protein should be taken as authoritative - as we keep learning, we each have to figure out our own best path, even though we do learn a lot from one another. It sounds as though a pretty small adjustment to your diet might make a difference though - good luck, and I hope so!
I haven't been concentrating on protein lately, but my weight has been very stable, and my muscle mass and energy seem pretty good. So I think once we get to some kind of equilibrium, we don't have to work so hard at this - or maybe, with making new habits, we have adjusted to the new portion size? I'm honestly not sure, but I am glad I took that to heart, back when I was having trouble building myself back.
I don't like the idea of obsessing about macronutrients, but dialing down the carbs, and upping the protein, has been helpful - and I'm sure I'm eating more fat than I used to as well.
Hope your long day got off to a good start,
Sara
I think the one downside to this awesome forum is... it's very easy to stay up a little too late, because everyone is so nice, interesting, and fun. And helpful. And sleep is probably right up there with protein ;)
I don't know that my experience and research about protein should be taken as authoritative - as we keep learning, we each have to figure out our own best path, even though we do learn a lot from one another. It sounds as though a pretty small adjustment to your diet might make a difference though - good luck, and I hope so!
I haven't been concentrating on protein lately, but my weight has been very stable, and my muscle mass and energy seem pretty good. So I think once we get to some kind of equilibrium, we don't have to work so hard at this - or maybe, with making new habits, we have adjusted to the new portion size? I'm honestly not sure, but I am glad I took that to heart, back when I was having trouble building myself back.
I don't like the idea of obsessing about macronutrients, but dialing down the carbs, and upping the protein, has been helpful - and I'm sure I'm eating more fat than I used to as well.
Hope your long day got off to a good start,
Sara
Sara,
I have been mashing the potatoes with broth almost since the start. First it was chicken, then turkey, and now beef broth. The broth is about as rich as it's possible to get it.
WF didn't have marrow bones this week, but the guys there were sympathetic to my sob story (and I played that card for all it is worth), so they stripped down some beef shanks and got me the marrow bones. I added short ribs to the mix to get some more meat. I roast them with veggies for anywhere from 3-5 hours, depending on the size of the bones, pour off the fat, collect the drippings, and simmer overnight with more veggies, strain, boil down, and put into containers to freeze.
The flavor is very rich and meaty, so it's very good to use with all sorts of dishes. I made a sort of lamb bourgingon using the stock as a base for the sauce, with red wine.
I miss chicken and turkey stocks. AND meat. Particularly chicken.
I have been mashing the potatoes with broth almost since the start. First it was chicken, then turkey, and now beef broth. The broth is about as rich as it's possible to get it.
WF didn't have marrow bones this week, but the guys there were sympathetic to my sob story (and I played that card for all it is worth), so they stripped down some beef shanks and got me the marrow bones. I added short ribs to the mix to get some more meat. I roast them with veggies for anywhere from 3-5 hours, depending on the size of the bones, pour off the fat, collect the drippings, and simmer overnight with more veggies, strain, boil down, and put into containers to freeze.
The flavor is very rich and meaty, so it's very good to use with all sorts of dishes. I made a sort of lamb bourgingon using the stock as a base for the sauce, with red wine.
I miss chicken and turkey stocks. AND meat. Particularly chicken.
WOW to all of you and this information!!!
I'm definitely having at least a slight flare this week. I don't think my body is appreciating the beans with ground turkey chili I made...and it was delicious. Fortunately my husband loves it, so he's finishing it off.
Last night I used kosher chicken broth and made a soup with potatoes (russet) and peas. I didn't add meat as I thought my body needed a break. After reading all of this, I'll make more tonight and add in chicken.
As for quinoa, I like it with sauteed onions and zucchini. However, I noticed that each time I ate it, my belly flared and I had a lot of gas and reaction. So for now, quinoa is back off my list of "can eats".
I've definitely lost a lot of fat and muscle mass in the last 6 months since my diagnosis. I need to be sure I maintain my muscles. I like the weight I am at now, but as others of you have said, MC is not the recommended way to lose weight!
I've copied some of this thread into a Word document so I can refer to it.
Sharaine
I'm definitely having at least a slight flare this week. I don't think my body is appreciating the beans with ground turkey chili I made...and it was delicious. Fortunately my husband loves it, so he's finishing it off.
Last night I used kosher chicken broth and made a soup with potatoes (russet) and peas. I didn't add meat as I thought my body needed a break. After reading all of this, I'll make more tonight and add in chicken.
As for quinoa, I like it with sauteed onions and zucchini. However, I noticed that each time I ate it, my belly flared and I had a lot of gas and reaction. So for now, quinoa is back off my list of "can eats".
I've definitely lost a lot of fat and muscle mass in the last 6 months since my diagnosis. I need to be sure I maintain my muscles. I like the weight I am at now, but as others of you have said, MC is not the recommended way to lose weight!
I've copied some of this thread into a Word document so I can refer to it.
Sharaine
Hi, Sharaine - sorry to hear about the mini-flare.
I had a definite reaction to quinoa when first recovering, and haven't retried it. I really like it, too - and I half-suspect it wasn't a "real" intolerance, but something else. But I just don't feel ready to take any chances. (Well, at least not that particular chance - I do eat out, so not everything is within my control.)
I wish you luck regaining strength, stamina, and muscle!
Best (until we meet again!),
Sara
I had a definite reaction to quinoa when first recovering, and haven't retried it. I really like it, too - and I half-suspect it wasn't a "real" intolerance, but something else. But I just don't feel ready to take any chances. (Well, at least not that particular chance - I do eat out, so not everything is within my control.)
I wish you luck regaining strength, stamina, and muscle!
Best (until we meet again!),
Sara
I'm so glad!
So adaptable, right?
Made a Roasted Squash 'salad' very loosely based on this inspiration - http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/ro ... ecipe.html - totally ignored the dressing (hello, beer = gluten!), but used a splash of pomegranate juice, chopped celery root (because I had some), shallots, and threw in some garlic to roast with the squash. Also a splash of apple cider vinegar, but no sweetener, and no nuts (oops, forgot), but a few golden raisins I had on hand.
Roasted the squash while my husband walked the dog, then did the rest while he roasted game hens. I bet it will be good tomorrow, too... (And the dog loves squash skins - go figure!)
YUM,
S
So adaptable, right?
Made a Roasted Squash 'salad' very loosely based on this inspiration - http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/ro ... ecipe.html - totally ignored the dressing (hello, beer = gluten!), but used a splash of pomegranate juice, chopped celery root (because I had some), shallots, and threw in some garlic to roast with the squash. Also a splash of apple cider vinegar, but no sweetener, and no nuts (oops, forgot), but a few golden raisins I had on hand.
Roasted the squash while my husband walked the dog, then did the rest while he roasted game hens. I bet it will be good tomorrow, too... (And the dog loves squash skins - go figure!)
YUM,
S

Visit the Microscopic Colitis Foundation Website




