Getting enough protein while quarantined
We often forget the importance of protein. From helping our mood and outlook via neurotransmitter support to immune health and cosmetic appearance- hair, skin elasticity, etc.
When we're stuck at home, the mood deteriorates with little desire to start meal prep. Especially when the carbs soothe the mood and are so easy to reach for. Like we force ourselves through the home workouts- as comparatively boring as they may be, we need to use that same tenacity to keep our protein intake up.
Surely there's got to be some simple solutions and that's why we turn to the "Coach".
Never mind nutrient quality and ease of digestion, protein powders are a simple way to add our aminos. I like to rotate the protein source so as to avoid developing food sensitivities from over-representation.
So I keep on hand:
Rotate between the three. For liquid I have used:
- Iced coffee
- Iced water
- Fruit juice (but watch the sugar yield) or fruit-flavored crystallite
- Hot coffee
To the coffees, I sometimes add organic 35% cream for the CLA/Butyric acid (plus flavor)
Now beyond this, the fridge has to be an easy source of "effortless" instant protein.
Many of my clients have used a litany of these:
- Cold hard boiled eggs- already peeled
- Devilled eggs
- Oven-roasted chicken wings w/ spices of choice
- Chicken salad
- Egg salad
- Tuna salad
A prepped charcuterie plate with various meats, cheeses, and pickled veggies
A sushi/ sashimi plate (watch the sushi rice- very high in carbs)
Diet jello (sugar-free but rich in collagen/ glycine)
Cottage cheese w/ fresh pineapple (helps digestion)
Roast chicken already is broken down (remember the easier it is to eat, the more likely we'll reach)
We could keep going but you get the point. No pun intended but in a which come first- chicken or the egg paradigm do we get up the energy to prep the protein or will prepping the protein give us more energy to do the right things?
BONUS POINTS: Often we benefit from taking a multi-enzyme with our protein/fat meals. They can be challenging to digest but when broken down fully, they're a virtual multivitamin/ protein shake in yield.
Personally I use ATP's Enzymatik at all my meals.
Who loves ya ?!
"Coach Mike"
