More protein!
During my first few weeks of my GLP-1 journey, Altranais Wellness was advising me to up my Protein! Great! I can do that!
My goal, increase protein in my meals. How do I do that? I used my knowledge of food from my hospitality degree and Anne Margaret Perry, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC from Altranais Wellness’ nutrition knowledge and created a list of foods that contain Protein!
I needed to understand why protein was so important! Basically, A high protein intake boosts metabolism, reduces appetite, and affects several weight-regulating hormones. Protein can help you lose weight and belly fat. Then I thought okay but how much should I have each day! This is where I turned back to Altranais Wellness! Anne Margaret Perry, guided me. I should have about 1-2 servings (5.5 ounce servings) per day.
Now I started my list!
Chicken, shrimp, turkey bacon
Alternative: All of these can be added to salads, omelets, or low carb pastas
Egg and veggie scramble
Boiled Eggs
Chef’s tip: also add to a salad
Omelet, frittata, egg bites
Cottage Cheese
Greek yogurt
Chicken Sausage
Protein Shake
Chef’s Tip: check out Altranais Wellness Facebook page, they just posted a link for shake recipes
Protein Bars (Check out my favorite bars!)
Deli Meat wrapped in string cheese
Tuna salad
Egg salad
Chicken salad (I have a great recipe for using leftover roasted chicken, let me know if you would like me to post it)
Beef & broccoli stir fry
Chef’s tip: substitute cauliflower rice
Nuts
Chef’s tip: I add slivered almonds to my chicken salad!
Jerky and meat sticks (These come in great portion packs!)
Chef’s tip: if you know a hunter, Venison jerky is a favorite
String Cheese
Pumpkin seeds
Turkey roll ups
Low carb granola
P3 Protein snacks (quick and pre-prepped for you)
Celery and Peanut Butter
Alternative: Almond butter as a good substitute
Carrots and hummus
Kodiak or Generic brand of Protein pancakes
Chef’s tip: 2 cakes are portion size, you can premake 4-6 and put them in toaster to heat up on another day! Add blueberries, bananas or apples for a change!
Alternative: Sub Non-Dairy Almond whipped cream for maple syrup! Just as sweet, less calories
Now that I am armed with my list I did some food prepping, because I work full time and was not able to just grab smart choices while away from the house! I made some amazing gains in the first 3 weeks! The gains were not in pounds! I lost 3.5 pounds in my first 3 weeks. I gained energy and noticed I wasn’t as hungry during the day like I used to be. I definitely decreased my snack bingeing.
I was so grateful that I had support! I must have called and texted Anne 5 or 6 times during those first few weeks! Now, I am sending her recipes and ideas for her to share with all her clients!
Let me know your Protein ideas, tips and recipes! I really need to know something new to do with those Chicken Breasts....
Gratefully,
Kristen (GLP-1 user and Altranais Wellness client)