Many times when people start to take a look at their health and fitness – they are recommended to take a look at what they are consuming first. What types of food are being consumed? Are you eating enough protein? Are you overloading your body with processed food and fat? (This is easy to do and really common by the way – so if you think I am pointing any fingers – I have three coming back at myself!)
When I first started taking a look at what I was eating – I noticed I was very carb heavy and very light on the protein. With the evaluation of my trainer and coach I started to incorporate more protein in to my diet and make that a major focus, with carbohydrates being second and my fats being third (this combination is also called macros). However after literally feeling like I was eating 2 whole chickens and pretty sure I was pulling feathers out of my own skin as well as wondering if I was going to start laying my own eggs… I was still coming up short.
That is when I started researching complete protein and how to gain the most from other protein resources. Now that being said – it seems today that everyone is an expert. I am no expert – just someone who experiments and will try new things to see how they may benefit me – and then pass that information along. Everyone’s tastes are different – and no two bodies are the same. So not all nutrition works the same way for people. So I encourage you to do some of your own research and trial and error on some complete protein sources to see if they may help you.
So far – these have worked for me:
Quinoa – 8 grams of protein per 1 cup cooked serving. I substitute this for rice sometimes and it is filling!
Rice and Beans – 7 grams protein per 1 cup serving. This was a staple for me when money was tight! It is a great way to get a good amount of protein in when you are on a pinch too and not sure what to cook or have not been to the store to replenish for the week.
Ezekiel Bread – 8 grams per 2 slice serving. This is the only bread I use, and that being said it took me a second to get used to it. Some of them are really tough – but after a while, I tried to go back to regular bread and just couldn’t do it. Plus when you put peanut butter on it – it turns into this amazingness anyways.
Humus and Whole Grain Pita – 7 grams protein per 1 whole grain pita and 2 tablespoons humus. This is great for an afternoon snack when you need a little pick me up. My favorite hummus is roasted red pepper… seriously… yum! Also – there is a Sirach flavor… really – there is not many flavors I don’t like hehe.
Last (on my list that is) – Peanut Butter Sandwich! (This lady loves her some peanut butter). I try my best to stick to natural peanut butter when I can – or almond butter… but to be honest… peanut butter is peanut butter to me (not to be confused with Nutella – deliciously dangerous). AND…. 15 grams protein per 2 slice of bread sandwich with 2 tablespoons peanut butter! That makes my heart so happy!
These are just SOME of the ones I use – there is so much information out there on complete protein… If you are tired of plucking feathers from your skin and the occasional “bock-bock” that comes out when having a serious conversation try some different variations of complete proteins and see what works for you.
Bottom line – Enjoy your food!
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