Ok, this is going to seem like a stupid question. In fact, I know it is.

I hate meat. I was a vegetarian for 2 years and didn't even miss meat at all. Then I developed anemia so my dr told me to eat steak. So I ate meat, in limited amounts. When I never ate meat I never even thought about Protein. In fact, I begin to wonder if I was getting any at all. Now I am a bandster and I am told that protein is very essential for us. For someone who ate very little protein to begin with, what is the difference now that I have a band? Is protein needed to lose weight? Or just to be sure that my hair doesn't fall out?

Please don't think I'm a dummy!! :cheeky I never took any nutrition classes in college so all I know is that bodybuilders need lots of protein. Thanks!!

Protein helps build lean muscle...lean muscle helps burn fat.....it is necessary to help us keep our muscle tone too...we could lose fat AND muscle, and thats not good..there are other ways to get in protein without meat.....i love meat so i don't know the values in other stuff, but there are beans, cottage cheese, eggs unless you don't eat them either. there is a link within this "food" category that gives a link to foods and their protein content.....ill try and help you find it. there are tons of other foods out there...

good luck to ya!

Actually the website was mentioned in the third "Sticky" down on the list of topics in this category. The website is http://www.highproteinfoods.net/

And yes, a decrease in Protein can make you lose your hair, and your nails will be brittle.

HamuChan, I've asked the same thing of the nutritionists at our support group meetings. The answer always is, you need Protein to keep your body running well, ESPECIALLY when you're taking in less and less of everything else. 70 or so grams a day is desired, and that means every day. I had asked specifically if, say, an all-fruit day would be OK, and the answer was no, not really.

I can't say I am 100% on this, but by starting each day with an Atkins Protein Bar I'm good for 20 grams right there. You might try something like that if you really don't think you can get enough protein in from food. They make protein supplements for a reason, so use them!

Hmm, that might explain why my nails are always so brittle...

Also, if you don't get enough Protein, you body will consume your muscles looking for that protein.

Soy is a very good source, as are nuts including peanuts and hazlenuts.