Thursday, December 15, 2005

The precious value of PROTEIN to our bodies

Hello Ladies,
Many have shared about a distaste for protein concentrated foods. Yet, many have also stated that their nutritionists and doctors are strongly encouraging them to consume more protein. What are your thoughts on this topic? Any encouraging and healthful tips on how to increase one's protein intake in as palatable of a manner as possible?

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

In my opinion I feel that when introducing protein into our bodies or increasing the amount of protein in our bodies it should be done in small stages and or steps. I consider it as fragile as teaching a young child how to learn to ride a bicycle without training wheels. It has to be done in stages and yes, there will be many times the child will fall but thats ok! We always keep encouraging the child to keep going and to try again and again. Till finally.. it becomes as easy as brushing our teeth or washing our hands.
I feel that including and/or introducing protein in our diet should be treated the same way. This is what I did that has worked for me. I just wanted to share some of my beliefs and thoughts on what has worked for me throughout my recovery process. I think its IMPORTANT to not overwhelm yourself and try working on eating protein in small doses. I think its important to NOT be overwhelmed but at the same time one HAS to be willing to make a strong effort towards increasing the amount of protein into their diet. You have to make the leap! It won't always be perfect (like falling off a bicycle for a child who is just learning to ride without training wheels.) I think its important to remind ourselves daily that NOTHING will ever be perfect but we can try our best. I have taken the word "perfect" out of my vocabulary. There isn't really such a thing in my book. I believe that we can try out "best" but no, nothing in life is ever perfect and nothing ever will be. It is all part of life and learning to cope in the world.
I think its a good idea to include protein in our diets in small doses like I have mentioned above. Maybe the next day add another gram or ounce and then just gradually increase it. It is ok if it takes awhile. The key here is ADVANCEMENT and take the tiny baby footsteps. I don't measure food anymore because I believe it is an obsessive behavior/characteristic of eating disorders and it always preoccupied my thoughts even more so. This is just the case for me and kept me more focused in displaying obsessive beahviors. It wasn't a solution for me. But yes, it works for some and that is GREAT!
I keep saying "me' because this is what has worked for making myself healhier and in a better mental state of mind. I just wouldn't give up on it and consider the word "protein" as meaning.. "PRO" LIFE. Protein is a great thing! The biggest step is learning how to be thankful for what protein does to our bodies and accept it. You have nothing to loose. Only positive things to gain! Reach for the stars ladies and gentlemen. It's worth seeing them shine back at you.......

Anonymous said...

Protein is great. Every muscle in our body needs it! Every cell in our body produces protein...so it is obviously important for survival.
Try eggs, egg beaters, yogurt, chicken, steak, Tofu (if you like it :(, milk (has some protein), cheese, peanut butter has some, beans, legumes, fish (omega 3 good for your heart).
Personally, I realized I said I did not like thinsg because I was scared to eat them, it is an excuse for me. However, if you can think "this is healing my heart, this is making my diaphragm strong, this is helping me live, this is NOT making me fat in any way..." you will be suprised how you can get good nurishment and begin to like things.
Hope this helps someone.

Anonymous said...

Try taking omega 3 capsules. I take the brand Spectrum, which can be found at Whole Foods. Omega 3 is the good fat that gives the brain a boost!
-L

Anonymous said...

My nutritionist recommended that I incorporate TVP into my food plan. For those who aren't familiar with TVP, it is Texturized Vegetable Protein--a soy product you typically buy in the bulk foods section of most health foods stores. TVP is kind of interesting in that it really doesn't have a taste. It looks and feels like granola bits when it is uncooked. You can eat it raw (i mix it in with granola or add it as a topper to salads or yogurt for a crunchy texture), or add it to cooked (hot) foods. When cooked, it softens and absorbs the flavors of whatever you are cooking with it. TVP is easy to use as a substitute for ground meat in dishes like chili. it makes a good additive to hot cereals like oatmeal too.

Anonymous said...

The holidays surround us with unsafe food, stress, and family. These things can be taken as a blessing and/or a curse. All of this has kept me more than busy lately. Last night I just cratered and lost it. I realized that the tears were about much more than holiday stress. Don't lose yourself in the midst of the hussle and bussle. We focus so much on doing for and giving to others that it is so easy blind ourselves from our feelings and needs. Taking care of yourself and making a conscious effort to be in tune with your feelings is the best gift that you can give to yourself and to the many people around you that love you. Keep your priorities and yourselves in check! It is up to us to save ourselves.

Anonymous said...

protein is good for our bodies and nothing in moderation is bad for you. just remember that protein does not make you fat. I used to be terrified of protein but after i was in the hospital i realized that protein does so much good for your body.

Anonymous said...

I do ok with protein, it's carbs that freak me out. This drives me nuts because it is one of the main things that I crave when I do eat. I think carbs via fruits and vegetables is a little more palatable for me. Does anyone have any info. or insight on carbs in fruits and veggies? I am scared to death of possibly taking on the other etreme of eds while I battle the anorexia................and what able muscle loss??? Do we get it back? I'm scared.