Not enough protein = eating when not hungry?

I've been having a REALLY hard time getting my protein in, particularly since I have yet to find a shake or powder that doesn't make me gag because of the texture. It's at the point where even this far out from surgery, I have a lot of days where I don't have a ton of energy, no surprise!

I've got lots of solid protein sources that are surgeon-approved-- jerky, string cheese, chicken breast, low-carb protein bars, etc.-- but because I'm not hungry (goodbye grehlin!), I just don't feel like eating.

I've been making a conscious effort over the past few days to really eat more. My loss has been slow for the past couple of weeks, and I'm guessing that the protein and low calories (450-500ish) is part of it. Problem is, it means eating when I'm not hungry... and that behavior is part of why I got fat in the first place!!

Has anybody else found themselves in this spot? How did you cope with it? Gotta love the head-work, right? :)

I as well am unable to force myself to drink the protien shakes.  My nutritionist suggested to get the Carbmaster chocolate milk at Kroger.  I warm a glass of it every morning.  It tastes good and I can get some "easy" protien first thing in the morning.  Hope this helps a little.

 

Lisa

Ooh, good idea! I've seen that at the store, and I have no trouble with regular milk, so I'll pick some up next time I get groceries. Thanks for the recommendation!

Unjury Chocolate Splendor is the only protein drink I could tolerate (that and their Chicken Soup protein).  When mixed up with milk/almond milk there is no texture and it tastes great poured over ice.  

The way I coped is I made drinking and eating my job - literally.  I made up an eating/drinking schedule and I stuck to it like a soldier.  This kind of eating isn't going to make you fat or make you gain weight and it's certainly not going to be this way forever.  It's not mindless eating, it's eating with a purpose.  The purpose is to keep you alive and energetic!  

So, go be a good soldier 

I like the idea of a schedule! I'm the kind of person who lives by a calendar and a to-do list, so that really makes sense. Maybe it's time to set up a bunch of alarms on my cell phone... Thanks for the idea! :)

Tracy. I just friend requested you and sent you a question

 

joy

I use premier RTD chocolate protein shakes. These are the only ones that I can tolerate. I stock up at costco. Getting protein really makes a difference. Hope you find something ASAP . Good luck.

On my list of approved protein sources is a product called syntrax nectar.  It's like a crystal light powder that goes into water  to make a clear protein drink.  I ordered some but I don't have it yet to tell you if it's good!  However, the reviews are great.  Maybe this can be an alternative to a thicker protein drink while getting your water in too?

Hi Sparklekitty,

Protein is so important. I think it is worth revisiting shakes. If texture is the problem with shakes, try to change the texture by diluting shake to make thinner, blending something like yogurt or banana into shake to make thicker/smoother, or freezing into popsicle. Don't be afraid to be creative, and don't be afraid to just hold your nose and gulp. (Sometimes we can be extra sensitive to the smell of artificial sweeteners early on, I certainly was! Unjury Chicken soup flavor or Protein Cheese powder were really helpful when I thought I could never stand anything else sweet.)

Sorry this stage is so challenging. Best of luck on your journey. 

Katy

hi again,

I just noticed post above mentioned Syntrax Nectar, they have at least a dozen flavors. Some are really good though I always use 2 cups of water per scoop not 1 cup. mybariatricpantry.com offers sample packets with 10 flavors for about $19

Katy