The protein debate

Guess who grilled last night?!

grillin

Actually no, not me. It was fun to pretend for a sec and โ€œcheck on thingsโ€ ๐Ÿ˜‰

We did the usual routine: I prep, he grills. The Pilot is just so good at it, and you shouldnโ€™t mess with perfection, really.

veg6

The star of the show was the veggies: salty zucchini and bursting, garlicky tomatoes.

For the main course, Iโ€™m pretty sure Bell can tell you what it wasโ€ฆ

sassafra chicken queen

The C-word <โ€”we canโ€™t say โ€œchickenโ€ around Bella, or she goes bananas

chickn and cado

The grilled avocado was an idea I saw on Pinterest. You get some lovely char marks on the โ€˜cado and fill the little boat with salsa and top with cheese. It looks as awesome as it sounds.

Well, we kind of forgot about the avocado and ended up with a charbroiled, but still tasty version. Weโ€™ll get it next time ๐Ÿ™‚

So, weโ€™ve been eating a lot of chicken over here lately.

I havenโ€™t had time to make separate meals and we both like chicken, non-salmon fish doesnโ€™t sound great lately, chicken is very versatile and an easy way to get in a hefty amount of protein at once. Since Iโ€™ve been able to get back into strength training on a semi-regular basis, Iโ€™m trying to get in high-quality protein at every meal. Itโ€™s easy to do with animal proteins, like chicken and eggs (which I looooooove), and through the usual culprits, like beans, nuts, quinoa, etc. Veggies also have surprising amounts of protein (like the 2g in 6 Brussels sprouts!), but it can take more calories to get the protein you need by only relying on these sources.

The interesting thing is that Iโ€™ve read quite a few contradicting articles stating that society in general consumes too much protein (stored as fat and the precursor for potential health complications), and then others stating that diets low in protein hinder lean body mass (increasing fat as well)- thanks to Sara for posting that link.

Iโ€™m of the belief that by consuming whole foods, lots of fresh fruits and veggies, and proteins of choice, youโ€™ll get enough of what you need. Anything in excess isnโ€™t a good idea, whether itโ€™s protein, or ice cream. Moderation is the way to go.

Are you mindful of your protein intake, or trust that by eating whole foods, youโ€™re getting enough?

Iโ€™m mindful of my protein intake, because otherwise Iโ€™ll take a nice daylong ride on the carb wagon ๐Ÿ˜‰

Any words you canโ€™t say in front of your pets?

We canโ€™t say: walk, chicken, park or PetSmart.

Going to head out on a w-a-l-kโ€ฆ.

Hope you have a wonderful day <3

xoxo

Gina

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129 Comments

  1. Kelsey on March 21, 2012 at 10:29 pm

    I really enjoy reading your blog! I wanted to ask if you would do a post on a typical grocery trip? Please forgive me if you have already done one. I did try and search to see if you had already done one but I didn’t have any luck finding a post on this topic! I would like to up my veggie intake and was intrigued when you said lots of veggies! Thanks! ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. Cathy on March 22, 2012 at 12:11 am

    Love your postings, always so sensible. I must confess I am confused by the protein issue, animal vs. vegan. I have tried eating raw during the day and then a regular dinner. I also work out (currently derailed by shoulder surgery but hope to be back soon!) vigorously, so I find it’s really hard to be raw and getting enough quality protein w/o excessive calories. If I don’t have some eggs or turkey or tuna after a work out, I get VERY HUNGRY. But then there are many successful raw food athletes. What’s your take? Thanks, Cathy :>

  3. Coco on March 22, 2012 at 5:32 am

    Until about a year ago- I thought I could get everything I needed with whole foods- but as a vegan I wasnโ€™t and didnโ€™t know it until my body was shutting down. Once I started eating eggs, dairy and protein powder I felt so much better- and my body was craving it all the time. I have to supplement with protein powders- otherwise it is close to impossible to eat enough of it to support my workouts.

  4. OntarioGirl on March 22, 2012 at 8:39 am

    We can’t say: lunch, salad, bacon, pizza or Grandma and Grandpa. My dogs loves to eat and loves visiting his Grandma and Grandpa ๐Ÿ˜‰ lol I usually say it all anyways just to see him go crazy over it.

  5. Meg | One Love Meg on March 22, 2012 at 8:40 am

    We can’t say “treat” in front of our little loved one. She goes crazy. I guess she has her mommy’s love of sweets!

  6. Life's a Bowl on March 22, 2012 at 9:45 am

    I’m mindful of my protein intake mostly because a high-protein meal [balanced out with some carbs and fiber] keeps me fuller longer… Eggs, Greek yogurt, white meats [chicken, turkey], and fish are my go-to’s, although I have been incorporating more nuts lately!

    Words that we can’t say around Charlie [our pup] or he’ll go wild: outside, food, or treat ๐Ÿ˜›

  7. Joy on March 22, 2012 at 10:14 am

    We can’t say walk (or spell it anymore – currently the word is macaroni) car, squish (canned food) or Deanna (his groomer whom he LOVES more than life)

    • Fitnessista on March 22, 2012 at 12:57 pm

      aww that’s so cute he loves his groomer ๐Ÿ™‚

  8. Christa on March 22, 2012 at 10:36 am

    If Roscoe hears “outside” or “bye-bye” (as in car ride) you better get out of the way because he will bowl you over on his way to the door. I’ve never seen a tail wag so fast; sometimes he gets so excited he hits himself in the face with it! And dont even think of saying one of those 2 words and then getting side tracked; he will lay down and howl (bassett/beagle mix) until you are aware that you said you were going to go somewhere.

  9. Lisa on March 22, 2012 at 11:21 am

    We have to use chicken very sparingly as well or our dachshund will have a field day. We can’t say shower, brush teeth, or walk either. : )

  10. Amanda @ Semi-Health Nut on March 22, 2012 at 1:08 pm

    I agree with the everything in moderation…because when you have too high of a protein diet, yes the protein is stored as fat. When you have too low of protein, other complications arise such as malnutrition and eventual breaking down of muscles and the liver.

    Also, your dog is super cute!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  11. Leah @ DeLeahLicious on March 23, 2012 at 5:08 pm

    We do the w-a-l-k thing for walk with my dog also. Too funny!

  12. Lori on March 26, 2012 at 1:17 pm

    OK, your (or the pilot’s) grilled chicken looks so delish and moist! What do you season it with and any tips for grilling the perfect chicken? My husband is great on the grill and our chicken is good, but it can be better! Any tips are appreciated..thanks!

    • Fitnessista on March 26, 2012 at 1:30 pm

      he makes PERFECT chicken! i think the major thing is that he uses the meat thermometer to check when it’s perfectly cooked. we season it differently each time. that time, i used red wine vinaigrette, garlic, sea salt, pepper and thyme

  13. Lori on March 26, 2012 at 2:01 pm

    Thanks so much! Also, I just posted a question on your “weight loss story” post..not sure if you will see it?

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