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Should You Eat High-Protein Products? Feb 5, 2013 | 10:18 AM ET | Rachael Rettner, MyHealthNewsDaily Staff Writer In 2012, 19 percent of new food and beverage products launched in the United States were labeled as being "high-protein," according to Mintel, a market research company. That's higher than anywhere else in the world, including India (9 percent), and the United Kingdom (7 percent), Mintel said.Although popular, high-Protein Bars, shakes and other products aren't the best way to get your protein, experts say. Proteins are essential nutrients, found inside every cell in the body. They are used for growth and maintenance, including tissue and muscle repair (muscle-building), and play a smaller role as an energy source. In general, about 10 to 35 percent of your daily calories should come from protein, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Adult women shouldeat about 46 grams of protein a day, and adult men should eat about 56 grams a day. Most people in the United States actually get more than enough protein. A 2009 to 2010 U.S. food survey found that, on average, women eat about 70 grams of protein per day, and men eat about 100 grams.A bar or shake might seem like an easy way to get the recommended amount of protein, but you're better off getting the nutrient from real food, some experts say, "I never recommend protein supplements," said Katherine Tallmadge, the author of "Diet Simple" (LifeLine Press, 2011). "People need to be eating real food." High-protein bars and shakes are often high in calories (and sugar), too, and don't leave people feeling full in the same way that a well-rounded meal, with a variety of flavors and nutrients, does, Tallmadge said. "You can feel full or more satisfied with fewer calories" when you eat real food, she added. Good sources of protein include meat, poultry, fish, legumes (such as dry Beans and peas), eggs, milk and tofu, according to the CDC. To fuel exercise and build muscle, Tallmadge recommendsyogurt, which she herself eatsbefore and after a workout. "Yogurt is a major protein source," Tallmadge said. For people who want a nonperishable food to take on hikes or outings, Tallmadge recommends nuts and dried fruit. Heather Mangieri, a nutrition consultant and spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, agreed that, ideally, people should get protein from food. But some people who have high caloric needs, such as athletes, may find it more convenient to get their protein, along with necessary extra calories, from a high-protein product, Mangieri said. Mangieri notes that our bodies typically use a maximum of 20 to 30 grams of protein from a single meal. Beyond that, any additional protein in a meal or bar won't confer an extra tissue-repair or muscle-building benefit, Mangieri said. So it is important to space out protein consumption throughout the day, consuming about equal portions at each meal. (For instance, if you eat three meals a day, you could consume about a third of your protein at Breakfast, a third at lunch and a third at dinner.) Pass it on:It's best to get protein from real food, rather than from bars, shakes or other supplements. http://www.myhealthnewsdaily.com/3503-high-protein-products-best-sources.html

Packets of flavored tuna Cans of sardines Turkey pepperoni slices All kinds of jerky (ostrich, elk, and marlin jerkies are some of my favorites!) Greek yogurt with PB2 (NO BANANAS) Hard boiled eggs

I don't measure it, but it's just a tiny amount. Maybe a quarter teaspoon in 4 oz of yogurt. One or two packets of splenda and however much cinnamon you want.

That could be because you can’t eat very much at a time? My dr told me that I will feel like I am grazing in the beginning but my goal is to get to eating 3 meals and 2 healthy snacks per day. Have you tried eating low carb/ low calorie fillers? Like vegetables, salad, etc? i know that my appetite will return. When that happens my plan is to keep lots of raw veggies and a low calorie Greek yogurt veggie dip on hand at all times. I do understand what you are going through. I went through the exact same with my sleeve. Hang in there and try to devise a plan for healthy options for the rough times. Once you reach a year out, the weight will come back on quickly if we are not careful.

I like Quest bars too -- they are very high in protein, and even my nutritionist said they are the best bars in ingredients she has seen ... I especially like the chocolate peanut butter and the chocolate brownie ones ... also the peanut butter & jellie ones ... when I want to switch it up, I sometimes get Balance Bars too -- the honey yogurt bars are pretty good and they have, I think, 15 or 16g or protein per bar -- but the Quest ones are nutritionally better for you I think! Good luck!

Sugar free pudding. Scrambled eggs. Cottage cheese...I added a tiny bit of fruit baby food ..which is watered down. Cream of wheat with unflavored protein powder. I added the protein powder to most of my soups too. You can also add a bos of sugar free pudding to 32 oz of plain yogurt. Tastes a little like cheesecake. I would wait another week or two for that, though.

There was a great post on one of the threads and the lady listed her stages and appropriate foods..some mushies folks have talked about are hummas, cottage cheese, scrambled eggs, tuna salad blended, fish blended with potatoes or veggies, oatmeal, yogurt... I think if you blended some chicken with light mayo it would make a good smooth chicken salad...I bought a recipe book which has a lot of good ideas... Cindi

Hi Everyone, I had my 3rd fill on March 15th 2010 and the Physicians Assistance put in 1cc - I am now at 4.5cc. Woa! I almost went back to get some taken out but I have adjusted. I think I am at my sweet spot now. I can only eat a 1/2 cup of food at a time and it does take me 30 minutes to eat. If I don't eat slowly or try to eat more, I get nauseated and a watery mouth. In the mornings I can tell my band is tighter. So yogurt is best for me. Since my fill, which was on 3/15/10 - I have lost another 14 pounds to date (4/10/10). So I am down a total of 45 pounds since October 22nd 2009! I won't be going back for a fill for a while. I have restriction and I eat 3 meals a day with a small snack sometimes in the afternoon. I have stuck with choosing healthy choices like Greek Yogurt, Low Sodium Turkey, Low fat cheeses, Veggies and Fruits, Chicken and Pork, Nuts ect. I really want to make sure I am picking the nutritrient rich foods since I am not taking in that much food. I want to be healthy on this journey. The one thing I have not done is get back to the gym. I am a little disappointed by my motivation to do that. I am fearful that I am losing Muscle and Bone mass and want to avoid that. But I just can't seem to get my butt in gear! I have a goal to start this month! My husband is very supportive of me and he has not been motivated to go to gym either, so I am hoping we can push each other to do this. The other thing I want to do is start seeing a therapist. I am a big believer in that half the challenge is mental. If you dont fix the emotional part then you will eventually go back to bad habits. I really want to make sure I don't go back to my unhealthy habits with food and portion sizes. So a couple key goals this month, workout and call therapist. I am going to attend the monthly support group in May at the hospital I received the surgery from. So that is my target, to be able to share that I have accomplished those items by then. I hope everyone is doing great on their journey and Happy Spring!:thumbup:

I'm five months out and I have a problem with some foods. I can eat certain foods and not feel full until the damage is done. I'm talking about the bad stuff. I'm able to eat a lot bigger portions as well on everything. chocolate, ice cream, and cheese puffs will go down a little too well, so I have to avoid having them in the house. I have to make a concerted effort to stay away from certain things and measure the rest. It will slow your progress as well as I speak from experience. Everyday is still a food struggle for me. I do get hungry unfortunately it's not head hunger or acid. Two hours after I eat...bam...hungry! I know I will never be able to eat the portion sizes I once did, but it scares me that I can eat as much as I do sometimes. Most people don't have this issue, I'm just one of the unfortunate ones that do. I think the best food for me personally is any form of Protein. It stays in your stomach the longest. chicken, tuna, salmon, cheese, Greek yogurt. And, don't drink after eating when you get to solid food! It flushes the food out fast and you want to eat again much sooner. I know why that rule was put in place. I'm really trying, but I still struggle everyday. Food, evidently, was my drug of choice and I need to deal with it. I was just like you after surgery, could drink the 64 oz of liquid with no problems. Liquids slip right on through where as food kind of sticks in your sleeve for a while.

Milk sugar is what you’re intolerant to right now so things made with that will effect you. I am lactose intolerant you can get a bunch of lactose free stuff, cheese milk yogurt even ice cream not that I have tried that but you can get it. For my shakes I either use lactose free semi skimmed milk or alpro hazelnut milk.

Girl, Sorry you are having problems. I start my morning off with a protein shake that way its 32 grams of protein right off the bat. Around 2 hours later I eat a baby bel light 6 grams. 2 hours after that a yoplait greek yogurt 12 grams... then just eat every 2 hours some sort of protein. The wetter the better. Hang in there.

Pureed meats sound really gross to me! Yuck! I just sipped on my protein drink (Premier). Ate low fat light yogurt, sf jello, sf pudding. It will work out! CONGRATS!

I'd like some suggestions of foods so I don't get bored with the same thing. I just got some roasted chicken, and some frozen cod fillets. sugar free Popscicles for my sweet tooth. Light Yogurt, Apple juice.

I use unflavored Syntrax. It dissolves easy, does not have a strong odor, and was not very expensive. I use it in my coffee, mashed potatoes, soup, and sprinkled in yogurt.

My NUT said soups and yogurt and broths and jello and pudding and protein shakes are okay for full liquids. My surgeon told me to stick to 800 calories a day and cut out the protein shakes. I'm compromising the two and have basically had one creamy soup and two shakes per day and buttermilk at night. I'm hungry but doing okay. Staying under 800 calories. April 24th I transition to regular food. That was the term they both used. I can't wait. I also found out from the NUT that this surgeon's protocol is to maximize post-op weight loss and get me a jump start before starting to eat again. It's doing that but boy, is it a long haul.

I am 8 days post-op and can have liquids and Greek yogurt. I am extremely hungry for "real food" almost all the time. Some of this is head hunger, and some of it is real. To add to my issues, I'm sick with bronchitis and have been given prednisone. A side effect of prednisone is increased appetite. Please, I'm begging you, for tips and tricks and anything that will help?

Im like you, banded in october, only 1 fill., eating good, solid whole foods and 2 hours later my stomach is crazy growling at me and almost burning im so hungry. I take some 0% fat greek yogurt as a snack to hold me over and still with snacking between meals im staying below 1000 cals/day and losing well. I don't think im at the green zone, but I'm actually looking forward to being there. I know it'll take time but in so happy with results so far. Almost 30 down (including preop) hang in there and find some protein packed, low cal snacks to hold you over.

The "green zone" takes some time to get to. I don't think many people are there on the first fill. I was banded 1/11/11 and I don't feel like I hit the green zone until November. I'm a really slow loser but my doctor was happy with a few pounds in 5-6 weeks. I wasn't happy with it but he was. I got a fill in Oct and honestly felt like it was too tight because I'd eat just a few bites and feel stuck. Well, I finally figured out, I was confusing stuck with full. It take a while to wrap your head around the fact of just how little food we need. You're probably still eating with your eyes plus you're new to all this and food, the band, dieting, exercising is all you can think about. Getting hungry a couple hours after you eat doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong. Some people can got 4-5 hours between and some can only go 2-3 hours. EVERYBODY IS DIFFERENT. Don't get caught up in how much fluid one person has in their band compared to you. I was trying to stick with 3 meals a day and maybe a little something in the evening but that just didn't work. I'm better off with a little snack between breakfast and lunch because I can only get a shake down in the morning. I'm really tight in the am so a shake is all I can do plus I love them and it's easy at work. I'll have a little cheese or part of a chobani yogurt a couple hours later if I'm feeling a little hungry. There is an awesome website that you should check out. It really explains why the band works, how the placement around your stomach is important, why eating slow gets you to eat less. Damn....I had the site saved in my favorites but now it's gone. I'll post it as soon as I track it down. It's got some great info on it. Sorry

Try it in yogurt! !! Sent from my SM-N910P using the BariatricPal App

I just found out I have a bleeding ulcer. Waiting for endoscopy to be authorized. Are ulcers common after rny? I'm feeling so sick. I have to take two antibiotics plus carafate and Prilosec. Ugh. I don't even like to take vitamins! Last night was first dose and I woke up around 1am with a mouth full of medicine that refluxed back up apparently. Since this happened the doctor now wants me to crush the medicine and put it in water and drink it. Or in yogurt. Ugh!

Yeah. The first couple of days are hell! But remember it gets better! I haven't experienced hunger. I did almost pass out yesterday in the shower. I ate some yogurt and that helped. Today I had a Protein shake before I took a shower. Much better! Good luck next week!!

HI Lisa, I do like a homemade version of flavored coffees. I use Starbucks Via Decaf mix with hot soy milk and a splash of sugar free pumpkin syrup. Another seasonal flavor is I mix splenda, pumpkin puree, vanilla, and cinnamon in my non-fat plain greek yogurt. Lynda

I like Epic bars as a quick protein snack (they're kind of like a cross between a protein bar and jerky/meat snacks, they're made of meat but they're softer and easier to digest than something like a Slim Jim and are a lot more natural, I especially love the bison and cranberry flavor). My go-to around the house is cottage cheese and yogurt as well, but having to be refrigerated and needing a spoon makes it harder to be truly "portable". I also like to pack slices of ham or turkey rolled up with half a slice of cheese in my lunch, sometimes with a little cup of dressing or some kind of spread to dip them in like mustard. (Plain yellow or brown mustard has, like, no calories!) I'm going to agree with whomever said upthread to try to eat whole foods as opposed to convenience items; a lot of "high protein" items out there are formulated to be keto friendly so they're also going to have a lot of fat in them too which can raise the calorie count to a point where you'd be better off probably eating a small, proper meal as opposed to treating a 300 calorie "protein cookie" as a snack.

I have been banded since june 26, 2013. I am at the blenderized stage mashed potatoes, oatmeal, yogurt & etc. I can not seem to get enough daily calories. Im just not hungry at all. I have stalled out at a lose of 18 lbs. help!!!

Eggs, meat (tuna, salmon & chicken breast give you the most bang for your buck), peanut butter, cottage cheese, yogurt (greek is best)...these are all great sources of protein. I haven't done it myself, but I've seen people talking about adding protein powder to their yogurt to boost the protein. Also, the Livestrong website has a pretty good basic list. There are LOTS of high protein meal cookbooks on Amazon, and as I mentioned in another post the other day, there is even a "Dummies" book for people who have had weight loss surgery. There are lots of tasty looking recipes in it.