We need an official Protein Power thread!

[randtbrown]

I've been reading on different LC plans and stumbled upon your thread here. I am not new to the LC WOL and have had much success both pre-pregnancy (loss of 60+lbs) and post-baby. I was able to maintain my loss (until the pregnancy). I would consider myself a "good" low carber! I never eat off plan (strict old atkins). I don't crave sugar. But weight loss has slowed a little and I wonder if it could be because i need a change. I find myself really wanting to eat things like cottege cheese, fruit, and oatmeal (I'm amazed myself that those are the things I'm missing and not something bad!)

Anyhow, after months (years if you go back before the baby) strict LCing (like 10-20 REAL carbs/day) would switching do any good? I don't think CAD would work for me because I wouldn't eat a refined carb even as a reward, I just couldn't do it. I did try switching to the ultra low cal/low carb (M&E) and although that worked the first time around, it for sure didn't do anything for me as of late! I increased carbs back to around 20 (again, real not net) and started to lose better. But even that has slowed. I have started working out so my appitite is bigger than it was previously.

In my mind I guess it is worth a shot- if I gain or don't like it I could go back to what I'm doing. but I'd like to know what you guys think! I'll read the book as soon as I have another reason to get out alone (dragging the baby along takes a lot out of ya!). TIA for your help!

[Luvmykidz]

Tarrah,Your baby is DARLING!

PP is totally adaptable--You have a maximum net carb load, but you never have to eat it all. Fat intake is not specifically dictated, but there is to be an awareness of how much you eat. Lean protein is typically encouraged over fatty stuff. You can eliminate whatever foods don't agree with you,(even do vegetarian) but still eat the things you miss on the stricter phases of Atkins. Cottage cheese, nuts, even berries can be eaten right from the start. Grains and other types of fruit are not specifically forbidden, but since you only get 30 net g of carbs, you probably don't want to use them on things like oatmeal or pineapple right away. Since 25 grams of fiber per day is the goal, it is not as likely you could experience constipation as on one of the other programs.

If you are working out, you should feel more hungry, and need to fuel your body properly so you can continue to build and repair muscle. I know there are peeps on the board who firmly believe you have to keep cutting calories in order to lose, but I have not had this experience.

I would point you toward the exercise board, and especially the posters on the BFFM thread if you would like specific info on how more calories, eaten at frequent intervals can help keep your metabolism up. They can help a lot with understanding the need for calories, and even some carbs when you exercise.

PP makes sure you are eating adequate protein for muscle maintenance as you lose weight. And encourages you to eat a variety of the foods you enjoy (not junk). And, since it does not entirely forbid any food group, it 1. does not set you up for feelings of deprivation, and 2. teaches you to weigh your food choices and make healthier ones, rather than just avoid certain foods for 6 months so you become afraid of them.--At least, that is what happens to me.

CAD did not work for me pretty much for the same reason you mentioned. It was so strict for most of the day, and then allowed any type of junk I wanted at one meal--within the portion control guidelines. I always wanted stuff like chocolate cake, and then would get cravings after eating it. I think it spiked my blood sugar and insulin levels because of the sudden shock of so many carbs coming in at once.

I understand how it is with getting around while toting a little one. But he is so cute, you probably get tons of attention when you do take him out!

Congratulations on your progress so far, and good luck in customizing your program.

[randtbrown]

I am actually going out today and may stop by and take a look at the book- sounds like an interesting read if nothing else! I should probably just eat 1/2 a cup of cottege cheese, a small bowl of oatmeal, and an apple (obviously not at one time!) and be done with it. Since I don't usually even like cottege cheese or oatmeal I probably will not want more after the initial bowl! It may be because Kyle is starting to eat these things and as I feed him I want a bite- who knows! I've been LCing for so long I don't think anything would actually throw me off program- just a matter of what I'm willing to give as far as weight loss to satisfy what I think I want at the moment. Every morning I start fresh knowing that I just had a baby (well- 6 months ago). I had a miscarriage 2 months ago. My poor body is just not normal yet and I have to relax- it will happen. Life is short- eat the cottege cheese! But then night comes and I'm depressed because I'm overweight. Being a woman is SO overly complicated! Thanks for your help! I'll stick around here and read more.

[Luvmykidz]

Tarrah, I am sorry for your loss. In light of that I would have to say you might be putting too much pressure on yourself to lose at this time. I am not saying give up, just relax your expectations a bit. You are right in saying life is too short. I have been through it before with my own pregnancy gains.

And looking back wished I had spent more time enjoying my babies and less worrying about my fat. I pretty much hang onto about 20 pounds while I breastfeed and it took me a long time to realize that I am not the typical textbook sort who "loses weight more quickly while breastfeeding". The generalization just does not apply to me. After I weaned my baby at a year, the weight struggle became much easier.

And you will still have pregnancy hormones circulating for a few months. I imagine the emotional aspect of your situation is stressful as well.

You are lovely and your baby is darling! PP works well to help maintain a sane perspective on LCing. But if it is not a good fit, it will just be adding to your stress.

I am around, if you have any questions about the program, or just want to talk.

[moonstruck]

Today is day #1 for me on Protein Power (again). I have never done any low carb plan for more than one day and it's time I got serious. I had great success with Weight Watchers before, but it's just not healthy for me. I've been juggling these forty pounds for a while and it's time I put myself first because I am worth it.

Are we starting our own Protein Power thread soon?

[Luvmykidz]

Hi, Stephanie! I asked one of the moderators, and was told if there was enough interest, PP might eventually get its own forum, like Atkins. But for now, we are welcome to just post as we will. If people are finding this one helpful, I guess we could consider this the 'official' thread for now.....

Or someone else could start a fresh thread.....

Either way, I was told that until there is sufficient interest, we are kind of on our own. The support is here, it just isn't really obvious, yet.

[moonstruck]

Thanks Heather! I feel pretty awful today because yesterday I ate a bunch of pastries and ice cream. I'm really feeling it today and I made the choice. I had a great start today so far, my husband made me two-egg omelette with a slice of canadian bacon, bell peppers, one ounce of gouda cheese and two slices of avocado. I am so full that I may not be hungry until much later.

I'm on page 202 in Protein Power and ordered Protein Power Life Plan, Thin So Fast and the Protein Power Life Plan carb counter book through Amazon last weekend. I usually get my order within a few days, but I may not get it until next Wednesday, I can't wait! I'm going to do this for me and don't feel like it's a diet. When I eat this way, I don't crave junk.

I'm off to walk three miles on my treadmill and we're going to my father-in-law's house. Are you originally from Idaho Heather? We moved here to Oregon December, 1999 and are so glad we did. We love it here.

We'd love to visit Montana, Idaho and Wyoming someday.

Have a great day everyone!

[Luvmykidz]

Sorry you had a bad day. I have done that before. One bite of junk begs another and I have found myself full of garbage and feeling miserable and guilty.

Your breakfast sounds yummy! I really like omelettes and avacado. Sounds like your husband is a great cook.

I think you will find the Gram Counter very helpful. I use mine all the time.

My family moved to Idaho when I was a baby, and I have lived here my entire life, except for one year when DH and I moved to Montana for a work situation. I really like living here. It feels like 'home'.

We visited Oregon a few years back, on the way to the coast. The forests there are amazing, and the scenery is beautiful! Being right on the edge of the ocean was an awesome experience. It made me feel REALLY small. Are you near the coast, or further inland?

I hope you, also, have a wonderful day!

[moonstruck]

Hi Heather! We live in Beaverton, OR which is about sixty miles inland from the Oregon coast. My mother-in-law and her husband (she re-married several years ago) are millionaires and she's retired. They have a house in Manzanita, OR and their living room window overlooks the coast.

Her husband is an architect and he designed their main home in Portland the the beach house. The beach house is only about two years old and their main house is about ten years old. We have a key to the beach house and if no one is planning on using it, we can go whenever want (we check with my MIL first).

I know I made the right decision with Protein Power and I'll talk to you later. I just finished walking three miles on my treadmill and am all sweaty!

[peachy]

I would like to join your Protein Power thread too. I am starting to transition from Atkins to Protein Power. It would be nice to have a place to chat.

[Luvmykidz]

Peachy!

[moonstruck]

Peachy! Nice to meet you!

[Luvmykidz]

DH took a week vacation this week, and although I didn't go wild with my eating, I wasn't counting carbs carefully, either. So, this week I need to be keeping close track of that. Looks like I have lots of tuna salad and scrambled eggs in my immediate future.

[Strawberry]

Tarrah, You CAN have cottage cheese, even on Atkins '72 !!! On '72 its one of the first things you add in after two weeks, in fact, Dr Atkins even recommends that it be the first thing to add back!!
And strawberries and blueberries and other berries are very low on the carb ladder, so you should be able to add them back in after a couple weeks of Atkins.
~Anna

[moonstruck]

I decided to go back to the South Beach plan. I was only on it for two and a half weeks two years ago, but I did lose seven pounds, which was wonderful. I can't recall why I stopped.

I just feel it's healthier for me.

[Luvmykidz]

Originally Posted by moonstruck

I decided to go back to the South Beach plan. I was only on it for two and a half weeks two years ago, but I did lose seven pounds, which was wonderful. I can't recall why I stopped.

I just feel it's healthier for me.

Good luck with your choice!

[belfrybat]

I've been on Protein Power the second time around since June of 2005. In that time, I've lost 35 lbs., blood sugar is back to normal range, and cholestrol is also back to normal. My weight loss is slower than most would be, but my metabolism is snail-slow and this is the only program I've been able to lose weight on, regain better health, and not be hungry all the time.

One thing that I didn't remember being stressed in the earlier description of the plan is the per meal, or snack limit of between 7 - 10 grams ECC. You cannot "bank" your carbs for later -- it's a "use them or lose them" deal. Aim for between 7 and 10 grams per meal or snack. If occasionally, those grams come from not-so-healthy choices, that's fine, but the Eades certainly encourage healthy eating. Protein Plan Life Power (PPLP) recommends no more than 40 ECC per day in Intervention, but still only 7-10 per meal or snack. You stay at that level until you have lost your weight or health factors are back to normal, then transition into maintenance over several weeks.

PPLP also has a much simplified method of calculating protein needs from a chart. All you need to know is you sex, height and weight.

There is an official Protein Power board with lots of information. They do not sell anything, so with the permission of the moderators, I'll be glad to post the URL.

[Luvmykidz]

Welcome, Brigit-Carol!


Thank you for your input, and it would be wonderful to have the link!

You are right in that PP program does not reccommend 'banking' carbs on a regular basis. You certainly cannot save up stray carbs all week in order to splurge on the weekend. It is BEST to spread them out evenly through the day. This is an important part of making the program work, I think.

But in the Q & A on page 146 of my book, the statement is made that if a person knows a special occaision is coming and wants to save the daily carbs to eat all at once --or to rearrange carbs to fit a daily treat that by itself goes over the per meal limit, it is allowed.

The Eade's caution people who choose this method to readjust the rest of the daily intake or their progress will slow.

I have used this exception myself on occasion, with no ill effects. Others may not be able to do it. The program really is adaptable!

[moonstruck]

Okay, I'm covinced to make Protein Power my WOL. I think I am a little scared of my cholesterol going up, even though I've never had problems. The last time I went to my doc, it was at 203.

I really need to get out of the Weight Watchers mentality and notice how much less I eat when I eat this way. My husband said I should not quit before the miracle happens and I'm not going to. I'm also not going to let the scale rule me and I'm going to take measurements. I am so satisfied with protein, but don't do snacks.

Saturday morning, my husband and I had the same breakfast that he made: a two egg omelette with two ounces of cheese and some avocado. This was about 10:30am and I wasn't hungry until after 4pm.

I got my Protein Power Lifeplan book today along with the carb counter books.

Protein Power it is for me.

I need to stop myself.

[moonstruck]

Do any of you have any lunch ideas?

For breakfast, I was going to have two eggs and that usually fills me up almost through lunch. My minimum protein requirement is 105 grams and two eggs has 14. Tomorrow, I was going to have a can of chicken mixed with mayo and that is about 39 grams for the whole thing, which I probably won't eat all of. I've been having one cup of berries (14 grams of carbs) because I don't eat that many carbs with everything else I eat.

Dinner is usually a salad and a burger, or some other kind of protein.

[Luvmykidz]

For lunch/dinner, I sometimes have 'chili' made with my protein serving of ground beef, a small can of chopped green chilies garlic, cumin and some chili powder. It is pretty good with a bit of sour cream and/or grated cheddar. The carb/fiber count depends on which brand of chilies you use, but that is basically the only carbs, so it is easy to count.

Tuna salad works, if you like that. Or a serving of cottage cheese with low carb veggies-cucumber, green pepper, celery. Maybe a bit of tomato for color.

I have been really lazy lately and just draining a can of tuna and dumping Tabasco sauce and about half a packet of sweetener on it. It gives it kind of a hot-sweet taste.

I have other ideas, but not a lot of time right now. I will try to get back tomorrow and post some more complete ones.

[moonstruck]

Thanks Heather! Do you have berries every day?

[belfrybat]

Here's the link to the official Protein Power forum (posted with moderator's permission):
http://www.proteinpower.com/forum/index.php

You do not have to join in order to read the articles. I highly recommend one titled: PP in a nutshell.pdf found under the heading: Protein Power at a Glance.

Here's the links to Dr. Mike's and Mary Dan's blogs:
http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/
http://www.proteinpower.com/drmd/

Both are excellent and certainly up to date.

[belfrybat]

Originally Posted by Luvmykidz

Welcome, Brigit-Carol!


Thank you for your input, and it would be wonderful to have the link!

I've posted the link on the message right before this one.

But in the Q & A on page 146 of my book, the statement is made that if a person knows a special occaision is coming and wants to save the daily carbs to eat all at once --or to rearrange carbs to fit a daily treat that by itself goes over the per meal limit, it is allowed.

Yes, there will always be exceptions, and this plan is just about the most flexible around, which is why I prefer it. But it's important to realise the Drs. Eades define "special occasion" as a few times a year, even when one is in maintenance. Staying as close as possible to the plan as written will give the best results. That doesn't mean most of us will always be Perfectly on Plan all the time, but it is very important to stick as closely as humanly possible, especially during Intervention and Transition.

I recommend Staying Power as a great followup to PP or PPLP. Although it's geared towards those on maintenance, it provides a great synopsis of the plan with the newer information on health and dieting that the Eades have incorporated into their teachings.

[Luvmykidz]

Thank you, Brigit-Carol!

Stephanie, I don't have berries every day. Probably more like 3 times a week, when I am being more relaxed about my eating. It isn't that I couldn't have more, but I have 4 kids who also will want berries if I am eating them....So it is more of an economic thing.

Do be aware, berries are great, and you are certainly welcome to eat them every day. But if you have a bigger appetite, you might want to switch up a bit with other lower carb foods in order to get more volume. I usually eat a lot of spinach, green beans and broccoli. Cabbage is great, too, as cole slaw (careful with the sweetened dressing, though!) Or stir fried with a bit of soy sauce and Chinese spice and served on the side of a piece of grilled meat.

Another good lunch: saute chicken chunks with sliced zucchini, fresh mushrooms and chopped broccoli ( 1 cup of each, measured raw)--Use a little olive oil and cook chicken until almost done before adding in the veggies. Add a bit of garlic when almost done. The veggies add 6.4 net carbs to your meal, and 4.8g fiber.

I have used the same combination of veggies in my scrambled eggs with a bit of cheese on top, too.

The PP book also has a recipe for cabbage leaf 'lasagne', and if you get the 'lasagne' idea out of your head, the casserole is actually pretty ymmy, I think.

Or, you could stuff a green pepper with seasoned ground beef and a little cheese and bake it.

[Luvmykidz]

Originally Posted by belfrybat

I've posted the link on the message right before this one.



Yes, there will always be exceptions, and this plan is just about the most flexible around, which is why I prefer it. But it's important to realise the Drs. Eades define "special occasion" as a few times a year, even when one is in maintenance. Staying as close as possible to the plan as written will give the best results. That doesn't mean most of us will always be Perfectly on Plan all the time, but it is very important to stick as closely as humanly possible, especially during Intervention and Transition.

I recommend Staying Power as a great followup to PP or PPLP. Although it's geared towards those on maintenance, it provides a great synopsis of the plan with the newer information on health and dieting that the Eades have incorporated into their teachings.

Thank you, again, Brigit-Carol, I did not mean to seem argumentative. I do feel the plan probably does work best when you stick to the main rules. If the rules did not matter at all, there would be no point to having them. Am I right? My point was simply that, unlike some of the other more rigid plans, PP does allow for flexibility, and there is no reason to have to go over the daily carb limit, since it is very generous and can be worked if necessary.

Also, I have noticed a lot of people on the more strict phases of Atkins seem overcome by guilt when they eat a food that is not on the current allowed list. Or there are questions as to whether a certain food is allowed. I feel PP addresses both of those issues pretty well, and offers options.

[belfrybat]

Originally Posted by moonstruck

Do any of you have any lunch ideas?

My minimum protein requirement is 105 grams and two eggs has 14.

Dinner is usually a salad and a burger, or some other kind of protein.

105 divided by 3 is 35 grams of protein per meal -- about 5 oz of most meats. I'm gathering you are in Intervention which means 7 - 10 ECC per meal with a maximum of 40 per day. Remember in PP, you subtract fiber but only 1/3 - 1/2 of sugar alcohols from the carbs to get your ECC.

So, for lunch you have lots of possibilities. Depending on whether you eat out or pack a lunch, you might have a chef salad with enough protein to meet your requirement; an open sandwich of meat, cheese, one slice of LC bread or LC tortilla along with salad. A favourite of mine is three bean salad made with 1 can each green beans, wax beans, Eden's black soybeans, a bit of celery, onion, chicken or ham w/ Italian dressing, all marinated overnight. One third of serving of this is around 10 ECC and stuffs me. If you eat out, again a chef salad is always a good bet, a bunless burger w/ side salad, most of Subways sandwiches, made up as a salad, baked chicken w/ side veggies. For a light meal, I often make a shake with whey protein, half water, half Calorie Countdown "milk", flax meal, PGX fiber, berries, and DaVinci's syrup. Fills me up for hours.

The Eades recommend 4 - 6 servings of veggies a day and one or two fruits depending on your level of ECC. I eat many more veggies now than I ever used to. Since my protein need is only 27 a meal, it only takes 3 - 4 oz. of meat to meet that so I fill up on LC veggies and fruit.

If you have the PP book, there's a section of meal plans that is a great springboard for creativity.

[belfrybat]

Originally Posted by Luvmykidz

Thank you, again, Brigit-Carol, I did not mean to seem argumentative.

I didn't think you were being argumentative at all. I only wanted to clarify so that folks wouldn't get the impression that one could bank carbs on a regular basis. My only losing 35 lbs. in 14 months was due in part because I "made a visit to the honey tree" a few times too many. On the other hand, I have lost 35 lbs. and am keeping it off, which speaks to the power of this WOE (pun intended).

Also, I have noticed a lot of people on the more strict phases of Atkins seem overcome by guilt when they eat a food that is not on the current allowed list. Or there are questions as to whether a certain food is allowed. I feel PP addresses both of those issues pretty well, and offers options.

I agree wholeheartedly. There are no forbidden foods on PP, and few rules, which is one reason it's so easy to stick with. If I want to "blow" my carb allottment on 5 Hershey's Kisses instead of a couple of cups of good quality veggies and fruits, then I can do it without guilt. I appreciate that the Eades consider we are adults and can make adult decisions when it comes to nutrition.

[moonstruck]

Originally Posted by belfrybat

105 divided by 3 is 35 grams of protein per meal -- about 5 oz of most meats. I'm gathering you are in Intervention which means 7 - 10 ECC per meal with a maximum of 40 per day. Remember in PP, you subtract fiber but only 1/3 - 1/2 of sugar alcohols from the carbs to get your ECC.

So, for lunch you have lots of possibilities. Depending on whether you eat out or pack a lunch, you might have a chef salad with enough protein to meet your requirement; an open sandwich of meat, cheese, one slice of LC bread or LC tortilla along with salad. A favourite of mine is three bean salad made with 1 can each green beans, wax beans, Eden's black soybeans, a bit of celery, onion, chicken or ham w/ Italian dressing, all marinated overnight. One third of serving of this is around 10 ECC and stuffs me. If you eat out, again a chef salad is always a good bet, a bunless burger w/ side salad, most of Subways sandwiches, made up as a salad, baked chicken w/ side veggies. For a light meal, I often make a shake with whey protein, half water, half Calorie Countdown "milk", flax meal, PGX fiber, berries, and DaVinci's syrup. Fills me up for hours.

The Eades recommend 4 - 6 servings of veggies a day and one or two fruits depending on your level of ECC. I eat many more veggies now than I ever used to. Since my protein need is only 27 a meal, it only takes 3 - 4 oz. of meat to meet that so I fill up on LC veggies and fruit.

If you have the PP book, there's a section of meal plans that is a great springboard for creativity.

Thank you very much! I am in the first phase and will say that my appetite is practically non-existent. Have a great day everyone!

[moonstruck]

Originally Posted by Luvmykidz

Stephanie, I don't have berries every day. Probably more like 3 times a week, when I am being more relaxed about my eating. It isn't that I couldn't have more, but I have 4 kids who also will want berries if I am eating them....So it is more of an economic thing.

Do be aware, berries are great, and you are certainly welcome to eat them every day. But if you have a bigger appetite, you might want to switch up a bit with other lower carb foods in order to get more volume. I usually eat a lot of spinach, green beans and broccoli. Cabbage is great, too, as cole slaw (careful with the sweetened dressing, though!) Or stir fried with a bit of soy sauce and Chinese spice and served on the side of a piece of grilled meat.

Another good lunch: saute chicken chunks with sliced zucchini, fresh mushrooms and chopped broccoli ( 1 cup of each, measured raw)--Use a little olive oil and cook chicken until almost done before adding in the veggies. Add a bit of garlic when almost done. The veggies add 6.4 net carbs to your meal, and 4.8g fiber.

I have used the same combination of veggies in my scrambled eggs with a bit of cheese on top, too.

The PP book also has a recipe for cabbage leaf 'lasagne', and if you get the 'lasagne' idea out of your head, the casserole is actually pretty ymmy, I think.

Or, you could stuff a green pepper with seasoned ground beef and a little cheese and bake it.

Thanks Heather. I have about twenty more pages to go of Protein Power and then I'm going to start reading Protein Power Life Plan. I made myself a protein shake this morning with designer whey protein powder, two eggs and a 1/2 cup of half and half. I am so full right now and since today is day #2, my appetite is already dimishing.