Tips for getting more protein?

[spokewench]

Peanut Butter has protein; beans and rice together is a complete protein

[Smilie]

I have a protein queston-not meaning to hijack the thread, but didn't want to start another thread on protein!

I have always craved 'meat', stemming from very heavy periods is my guess, but since I have had a hysterectomy, I no longer have that issue. But I still crave protein and I assume my body needs it. So I think I am eating adequate protein. I donate plasma and have never had low protein counts. I have a friend that eats what I eat, is a hard core cyclist, donates plasma, but he always gets low protein counts.

We do the same workouts, I think I eat a little more protein than he does, I donate plasma several months in a row with never an issue with low protein levels. He cannot donate more than like 3 or 4 times in a row without lower protein counts. Why is this?

I think it is because he has such large muscles, and really works hard in our training classes, his muscles require more protein so metabolizes it faster than I do. That is my guess, is this accurate?

I don't know how donating plasma would cause lower protein, since you get your red blood cells back, so we are at a loss of why this is always happening. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

I am planning on changing our diets so he will eat more protein rich foods. He already drinks a LOT of milk, cheese, and meat. So I will just increase the beans, rice and yogurt and eggs. Hopefully this will help.

[michelem]

Good suggestion, redrhodie! I always forget to recommend dairy because I'm allergic to it.

[badger]

I may be wrong on this, but I understood that there's no such thing as an "incomplete" protein. All foods have protein, and nobody's ever lacking protein in the developing countries.

[OakLeaf]

nobody's ever lacking protein in the developing countries.

you're not serious, are you?!


As for "complete" protein, what that means is that the human body needs eight amino acids in a certain balance to be able to repair tissues. Those are called "essential" amino acids. Only meat contains all those amino acids in that balance (because basically, our bodies need to be able to make meat out of our food). The concept of complementary proteins means combining foods like beans and grains which together provide all eight amino acids in roughly the balance the human body needs. That's why historically people learned to combine those foods in traditional diets.

In traditional cultures, where people are able to raise and hunt the food they've learned to eat for millennia, it's true that they don't usually have a protein deficit without a corresponding calorie deficit (but crops do fail and hunger is very common). In "developing" countries, where people have been forced out of subsistence farming and into either cash-cropping or non-agricultural work, protein deficits are EXTREMELY common.

[badger]

you're not serious, are you?!

sorry, I had meant to say "developed", not "developing".

[OakLeaf]

I prefer amaranth plain if I'm going to have it, just because it is so gooey. It doesn't seem to play well with other ingredients IMO. I do like the flavor, but it's a PITA to clean up.

[kjay]

I must share a product that I've found to be perfect for me, especially since I have weight to lose. I checked with Whole Foods about a good meal replacement drink because I didn't want only whey protein by itself; I wanted a drink that would not only provide protein but as much nutrition as possible. More bang for the buck, so to speak.

Well, I found "Vega — Complete Whole Food Health Optimizer" that is an "all-in-one, natural plant-based formula" made by Sequel. You wouldn't believe how many nutrients it contains, plus 15 grams of fiber and 26 grams of protein (in one serving). With the optimum amount of fiber being roughly 35 grams/day, this goes a long way toward fulfilling that.

I'm not affiliated with this product in any way; am simply a consumer.

Web site is www.myvega.com

[derailed]

I had dietary issues and went to a registered dietician/RN nutritionist.
Her information helped me tremendously. If it's possible to consider a nutritionist for assistance, I suggest it.

If you have a specific need, and can find a cultural diet which addresses it, that helps take the sting out of the changes. I have found that for myself eating a lot of Japanese style food, within my understanding of it, has allowed me to eat within my restricted parameters but not feel deprived. A friend chose to eat more of an Indian diet, being more dairy oriented and meatless.

Be careful of the protein powders out there, some of them have strange additives.
If you eat eggs, hard boil a dozen once a week, just to have available to you.

I hope you find a great solution for your system.

[cylegoddess]

Im a vegetarian who is allergic to soy,nuts, egg whites, most beans and grain so I get protein from ;
spirulina( tastes yuck to me so I take tablets but partner loves the taste)
whey protein drinks
broccoli
cheese

You need to be spare with animal proteins, as they are ACIDIC( as are soy, sugars, meats, dairy and alcohol). This can leach your body of calcium, as your blood becomes acid and takes it from you, to make up. A good tablespoon of apple cider vinegar , in warm water in mornings is good for this!

I started taking more calcium once I reintroduced dairy into diet. I know it sound s odd, as we are told dairy is a good source of calcium from day one, but Ive done extensive study's on this, over the years.
Ill try to find the book it came from!

[Drtgirl]

I am a diehard potato chip fan, and yesterday my coworker challenged me to eat some dry roasted edamame (soybeans?). After a few samples I'm hooked...I even went out bought a small bag today at the grocery store. 14 grams of protein per serving and a ton of fiber.

[cylegoddess]

I love those!! But I found out that eating them 24 -7 made me a little fat!( deep fried isnt a good constant snack!)

I eat quinoa, as its a non grain( it a berry) ,Im allergic to grain. Its a specific taste, nutty. I like it flaked in cookies, or for porridge. I also eat it whole, in boiled form,for winter porridge.

[Karma007]

Being veg, I get asked this all the time. Other sources of protien (excluding the obvious soymilk and tofu)-
edamame
almond milk
beans
lentils
quinoa
textured vegetable protien
nuts
broccoli (add sesame seeds!)
spinach
poatoes
almond butter
tempeh

[Karma007]

oh! And Vega is really good mixed in smoothies (I use 2c spinach, 1c kale, 1c blueberries, I banana and Ic soymilk or almond milk. I use a dark glass b/c the color is a little much, but it's yummy!

[Pedal Wench]

Does almond milk contain all that much protein? I thought it was pretty low.