I’m a few days away from starting the regular/chopped food stage and I’m worried about getting enough protein. So far, I’ve been hitting my goals and about 4.5 oz of purée/soft food makes me comfortably full. This has allowed me to get a decent amount of protein at each meal.

I’ve heard from a lot of people that you get full way faster when eating solid food, and I’m worried that this will cause me to not be able to get all my protein in. Is this what happens? Does it get harder to get your protein in once you start eating regular food? I’m just so anxious. Any advice or anecdotes is helpful.

The right solid food will get you a really big serving of protein. Boiled chicken, ground turkey, and definitely fresh seafood. A little goes a long way. For example, 2 oz of chicken breast is about 90 calories, 18g protein, and 0 carbs (without breading or frying of course). Also, if you have the time, you can eat small amounts 4 or 5 times a day, rather than just 3 typical meals.

At the end of the day, if you haven't reached your protein goal, use a protein shake or a protein shot (3oz = 25g protein) to hit your goal. It could take a little practice. You could also create a schedule or set reminders on your phone. Using a nutrition app helps a lot. I use Baritastic. I log what I eat/drink and it helps me see where I'm at throughout the day. You'll do great!

Edited July 17, 20233 yr by CarmenG

Don't borrow worries from tomorrow.

You can cross that bridge when you come to it.

I think there's one with a dam.

Good luck,

Tek

If you’re not meeting or close to your protein goals, go back to adding a protein shake as a snack. Or add a high protein yoghurt or blend the yoghurt with milk to make a yoghurt drink. I ate yoghurt & a yoghurt drink as an afternoon snack to push me up to to my protein goal.

And don’t forget to eat your protein first, then if you’re able any vegetables & last any allowed carbs. There were often times when I ate my protein serve only because I’d eaten enough by then.

Edited July 18, 20233 yr by Arabesque

I still have to have a protein shake every day to make sure I get mine. I do it in the morning because my tummy really doesn't care for solid food in the morning.

Keep sliced turkey or chicken in the fridge at all times. Loaded with protein and goes down pretty well. Cottage cheese is also a good high protein quick thing to grab.