Protein question

[DeM]

Hello I am using the 30 Day LC Diet book. I've tried it before but didn't stick with it but it is a reasonable plan so I wanted to give it another go.

I've been at it for a week now but I haven't weighed in. I'll do that tomorrow and I am hoping I have lost some weight. I an using LiveStrong to track my food intake this time which is much better than pen and paper.

Is protein requirement supposed to include protein from vegetables or is it only protein from meat?

Secondly, what if I fall short on protein because I am simply not hungry at dinner time?

I have been averaging about 1700 calories per day. Is this too low or high? I am 5'1 and 175 lbs, 35, female.

[porcupine73]

Hello and welcome to the board!

AFIAK, the protein is primarily from meat and protein powder. Some vegetables have a bit of protein in them but most are negligible. Beans and such tend to have some protein in them but it's not always containing all the amino acids.

If I fall short on my protein requirement, I just add natural whey protein powder to make up for it. I might not be able to devour a huge steak but I can usually down a scoop or two of powder.

For me, fat content in meals has a ton to do with how satiated I am between meals. If I eat lean grass fed & finished beef, I'll be hungry before the next meal.

[gitfiddle]

Is protein requirement supposed to include protein from vegetables or is it only protein from meat?

Dr. Mike mentions meat (beef, pork, poultry, seafood), eggs, cheeses and tofu as sources of protein in his Protein Power Lifeplan book.

Protein powder works well to add more protein. You can buy zero carb whey protein that doesn't even add to your carb count. Many of us make shakes for a snack or a quick breakfast.

We don't count calories as a rule. Be aware if you eat too little your body can slip into starvation mode in which it conserves every ounce and you won't lose any weight.

[DeM]

How do I know if I am getting enough calories?

[gitfiddle]

How do I know if I am getting enough calories?
Good question. By saying "eating too little" I meant not enough protein and fat.

If you're taking in your minimum protein grams and your maximum carb (minus fiber) grams with enough fat to keep from getting hungry between meals, start there. You can add more protein and even add more fat if you aren't losing weight and that often helps more than figuring calorie count.

[DeM]

Thanks for clarifying. That helps alot!

Thanks Porcupine for the protein powder tip. I think I will look for some this weekend. I'll keep in on hand for those nights when I just can't eat a piece of meat.

[porcupine73]

Whey protein powder also supposedly has many other benefits such as boosting the immune system, helping with weight loss, and so on. Just watch out what you buy, most protein powder from the stores is going to be sweetened, either with sugar, HFCS (the worst), or artificial sweeteners. There are a few good brands of just natural whey protein powder out there that is unflavored, unsweetened. I have not seen it at any supermarkets or big box stores.

If you don't have the Six Week Cure book by the good Drs. I found it very interesting and useful. I have seen similar plans listed elsewhere by reputable folks so I believe it is a good program. I am restarting it now to try to drop another 5 lb fat or so before spring gets here. It is really good for getting the liver into shape. I also gained a lot from the book Mastering Leptin.