Getting in some protein
I am definitely a creature of habit. I try to keep the same routine most days, and every week for me is laid out about the same. It helps me stay in control and even extends to what I eat.
Like most bariatric patients, my doctor recommends that I get 70 grams of protein. Planning my daily food intake and sticking to that plan is the only way I’m able to do that. When I plan my food, I know how many calories, carbs, and proteins I can expect, so I’m never worried about running out of calories when dinner rolls around, since I typically like to enjoy most of what the rest of my family is eating (that’s important to my husband, as well).
Since every day is basically the same, here’s an idea of what I’m eating for the majority of the day.
As you can see, before dinner I’m at 646 calories, 82 grams of protein, and 20 carbs. This leaves just under 500 calories and a couple carbs for dinner, although if I stay under my calories, I don’t worry about the couple extra carbs.
One thing I should mention is that these are spaced out. Around 7:30 am (when my kids are waking up and eating breakfast) I make my coffee with a scoop of chocolate powder. Sometime after 9am I drink my Premier Protein shake. After I feed the kids lunch and put them down for nap, I cook my eggs and meat. Finally, around 3pm I make a chocolate shake.
Many surgeons (including mine) really would prefer your proteins come from solid food, but I’ve noticed I have a really hard time getting enough protein if I am not drinking shakes, especially since I’m so busy with my two kids and keeping the house clean to focus on food all day, that’s another reason making a plan and sticking to it works.
In order to eat so few calories, and lose fat and not lean muscle, it is essential to get enough protein. When I don’t get my protein, my weight loss stalls.
Another essential component is water intake. Between each “meal” I drink 20 ounces of water, around 100 ounces daily.
I haven’t always planned my intake, but doing so has contributed to my total weight loss of over 80 pounds in the past 10 months. I still have around 60 pounds to lose, so be sure to stick with me to see my future updates.
