Protein Chat

Even though I wasn't very talkative last night, I really appreciated the chat regarding Protein. I have been real disgusted with myself lately.  In order to stop losing weight, I've changed my eating habits to include too much rice, pasta, potatoes, granola, and crackers.  I'm to the point now that I don't stop eating....it's one snack after another.  The past few days I've been so tired that I thought maybe I wasn't getting enough protein, so after last nights chat I decided that I would add some protein powder to my yogurt and then record what I ate today on FitDay.  Damn.......it's not even 10 o'clock and I've already had 75 grams of protein and over 1000 calories.  I hate to think what the entire day is going to turn out like.  My weight keeps going up and down within 5 pounds, so I'm not too concerned yet.  I'm still 20 pounds under my original goal.  I'm now down to a 29" waist which I haven't seen in over 40 years.  I haven't done any exercise since I ran the 5K last month and I'm doing a 4 mile race this Saturday.  I need to get my act together real quick.  Thanks for all your support, guys.  I hate to think what I'd be like if I didn't have you guys to keep me in line. Floyd

The more carbs I eat - the more I want - the more I crave them.  To me they are the DEVIL!    So much so for me that I tend to stay away from the "good carbs" too.  There's just too much of a pull there still.  So I compensate with other things....additional protein and admittedly a great deal of caffeine.  Get out and get some fresh air - get ready for that race!  That will boost your energy level big time and get that metabolism fired-up.  Not that you want to lose any additional weight - it's just critical to meeting your goals whether you want to lose, gain or build muscle mass. Don't be disgusted with yourself - do something about it - make the adjustments and stick with your plan. Cards Fan

I know that you state that you are 20 pounds under your goal weight, but I wonder what your primary doctor has to say about that.  I think there are few doctors who would find you to be too thin.  Maybe you should just accept yourself.  If you want to bulk up, think about weight training.  You may be better off to just stay thin if your health is not suffering.  My Dad was mildly heavy when he was young, but for the past 20 years he's fluctuated between 160 and 165.  At 83, he's still strong and active.

Floyd, Good to hear you’re headed back to the "Protein First" recommendation. Gotta keep the tissues strong and growing. Next time you have your blood checked, have them certainly check your albumin levels. If not high enough it could translate to an equivalent zinc deficiency. (zinc's main transport vehicle in the blood is albumin, so low serum albumin levels can decrease zinc absorption.) "Zinc deficiency" is often caught, the fact that it’s low because of not enough protein to compensate for 18% mal-absorption is not often the first thought or solution. The results from that alone show up most often as- Rough skin Poor appetite Mental lethargy Delayed wound healing So get in that Protein so you can fully use your Zinc. And the protein itself… It’s All so connected… I’m fascinated! Enough babble….Congratulations for heading back on track! Best Wishes- Dx