well isn't that special

So....for weeks and weeks I have been trying to figure out why my weight loss is so slow...I'm 5 weeks out and have only lost 15 +/- pounds since my surgery date.  I'm eating between 500-650 calories a day, drinking the 64oz of fluids and walking.  Yet, the weight isn't shifting very quickly.

The nuts were scratching their heads, speculated 'cheating' to which I just wanted to hit them over the head with a frozen leg of lamb because I am doing EVERYTHING possible, not cheating in anyway, not a bass-o-matic in sight. 

What I have come to realize is that my preferred protein sources 'beans, legumes' are HIGH carb foods.  yep they are good carbs, but 1/4 cup of beans has a LOT more carbs than a coulple slices of roast beef...

but I'm not awsome with meat meat meat...so what should I do.

my other issue is not getting quite enough protein...I think I mentioned in a past post that I cannot stomach any of the protein powders or liquids I have tried so far(11 and counting), I even tried a slightly higher calorie one the other day (bolthouse farms drink) but was nauseated within 1/2 an hour of the first 2 ounces. 

Does anyone else have issues with protein powders? 

Yes...I do eat cottage cheese but by God, how many days in a row can you do it without losing your mind.

I need help finding excellent, natural and viable sources of protein that fit into my scabby 500-650 calories a day and meet my 50-60 grams of protein.

any ideas?

Have you tried turkey chili without beans(low fat of course).  I split the can into several portions, sprinkle some shredded cheese on and nuke it.

Fish and seafood???

Greek yogurt, mixed with sugarfree jelly tastes like regular yogurt with 20 grams protein per 8 ounce serving, divided of course as needed.  It can also be flavored with sugarfree jello powder, crystal light powder, sugarfree syrups.  Add in a few sunflower seeds for crunch.  Look for the greek yofurt in the organic area instead of with the rest of the yogurts or in health food stores.

I like to add 1/3 cup of dry powdered milk to the water when making my hot cereal, really ups the protein.  Eat with a dab of butter if needed, I like to add a sprinkle of cinnamon and splenda when I mix it up.  I skip the liquid milk for the time being.  Really sticks with me for awhile.

I am able to use protein powders from time to time, not making shakes from them right now.  I found a pudding recipe from unjury that I adapted. I don't taste the protein in this pudding.  I think the pumpkin could be substituted with any sugarfree syrup, applesauce, banana, let your imagination go wild.  Of course drop the pie spice if not using pumpkin.
Pumpkin Protein packed Pudding    1 Package (1.4 oz) Sugar-Free Vanilla Jell-O Instant Pudding Mix * 3/4 Cup water 2 scoops  vanilla protein powder 2 tablespoons canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix) ¼ - ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (Mix of Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg and Allspice) Directions:   - Measure 3/4 cup cold water (ignore package directions which call for 2 cups milk) - Add two scoops of vanilla protein powder to the 3/4 cup of water - Mix the protein powder in water by thoroughly shaking or stirring (blender worked great)   - Empty the Jell-O Sugar Free Instant (Not Cooked) Dry Pudding Mix into a bowl. - Add pumpkin pie spice to dry pudding mix. Start with 1/4 tsp and adjust to taste. - Blend spice and dry pudding mix thoroughly with a fork - Pour in the previously-mixed protein powder-and-water. - Add 2 tablespoons canned pumpkin - Stir/Beat until thoroughly mixed (a wire whisk or mixer works best)   Place in small container and chill in the fridge.   Top with Fat-Free Cool Whip. Enjoy!    Makes about 3 servings.     Nutrition Facts per serving: 107 calories, 14 g protein, 12 g carbohydrates, 3 g sugar 

Hope this helps.  Hugs, Kathy

thanks, the 'unjury' stuff is one brand I haven't tried.  I'm reluctant to order some though...because what if I hate it?

I love fish but haven't eaten any since my surgery, I don't think I'm ready for it just yet.  I seem to have the 'regrets' when I've prepared something and then sit down to eat it and am just uninspired so I end up tossing it.

I guess I need to get my head around eating because I have to, the enjoying it part will hopefully follow.

You can get samples from unjury.  I like the chicken and unflavored, still have my fruit flavored packet.  Guess I could try it one of these days.

Have you tried the Inspire flavored protein powders from bariatriceating.com? I LOVE these and I'm a picky girl! The cinnamon/cappiccino flavor and the ice cream sandwich flavor I use in my morning de-caf coffee. I mix it with a little SF creamer to make a paste, then add the coffee....what a wonderful way to get my protein!

I also use the "Pure" flavorless protein powder - I put a scoop of it in 1 cup of light soy milk then add a dash of SF flavoring - a delightful drink! It truly IS flavorless.  I have also mixed it into a little cup of cream of squash soup - I get some veggie power and protein power at the same time.

http://shop.bariatriceating.com/Protein-Powders_c_1.html

Good luck!

If you lived closer, I would give you some samples of Lean Dessert to try.  My favorite are the banana cream and cinnamon roll (both super yummy).  I sampled quite a few protein powders before I found some I liked.  I also liked the vanilla by Aria (sold at Trader Joes) for Women.  I like mixing the protein powder (only 1 scoop - 2 is too much) with 1 c. skim milk, maybe 1/2 a banana and some ice, for a smoothie.  May take you a while to get it down, but it is so good!!

Have you tried pureed turkey or chicken?  That might go down a little easier.  If you mix in a tiny bit of FF mayo and celery salt, tastes pretty darned good.

Good luck in your journey!

Rome was not built in a day, always try to keep that in mind. You are early out and things are still in the healing stages. Don't knock yourself down at not getting in every ounce or gram, this to shall all come together.

I am of no help with the protein drinks. I have yet (14 months out) to drink one. They were not required in my program. We started out with No Sugar added Carnation Instant Breakfast drinks. That may be something you could give a try. They are not super high on the protein scale, yet not bad either.

I got all my protein from foods. For the past 14 months my breakfasts consist of up to 1/2 cup of cottage cheese and 10 slices of turkey pepperoni slices- I nuke them for a minute in the microwave so they become crisps. Once in a great while I will indulge and make some protein pancakes for the family, using powders I have on hand. I use my protein powders in cooking/baking of WLS friendly recipes.

Remember this is for life and it will get easier!! Most of us can agree to that
Best of luck
Kelly/tink