Protein. Yum.

I never thought it would happen but I finally swore off fast food.

My last trip to Taco Bell (for food) was almost three months ago. It was such a monotonous routine that I can not remember when I was there last. Now the kids think 'Donald's burgers and fries are the best food on God's green earth so we do go there on occasion. And my boys really need the calories - I just keep the fries to a minimum and try to supplement their meal with fruit. We bring that stuff home, it makes it easier to add the fruit and the milk at home is way cheaper - plus I eat a healthier meal that way too. Although I think I had McDonald's twice in the last three months.

I traded in the grease and the grime for spinach salads, vegetable snacks and "Carnation Instant Breakfasts" which are about as close to a protein shake as I can get. I may be eating healthier but I am still not sacrificing flavor.

So after the diet upgrade I went in early May for an update with my fitness trainer. I had lost 5 pounds (yay) and 4 inches off my waste (awesome). But her calipers said my weight loss was mostly muscle. Egads. Since I lift weight so much, and it is the only exercise I really enjoy, I was told to increase my protein intake - targeting 105 grams a day.

My protein consumption before was abysmal and mostly from cheese, milk and occasional chicken, beef or pork dishes. So it was a challenge to find 105 grams of protein to eat. Of course I did my research first. Using formulas and variables that allow for extensive weight training my target protein intake came out to 95.

So that is my target range - between 95 and 105 grams of protein.

I started out with lean chicken and threw in some nuts and beef jerky - but those were hard on my gums. I have been eating more deli meat and cottage cheese along with larger meat portions at dinner. I think the key to my success is drinking more milk. I have easily been able to consume 100 grams of protein a day but I have to admit, often times I have been eating protein rich foods when I was not hungry at all.

I get measured again in another week so I will stick with the same diet to see where I am at and then I will adjust accordingly to see what is ideal for my body. I did gain a pound or two this month so I will be curious to see if I gained muscle or not.

Either way I think I am eating too much and after the next measurement I will make some more changes.