High Protein Diet, Any recommendations? Options

[Satansfist]

Morning all!

I've been feeling like hammered shit lately so went to see the doc once I was free from the steely grip of Willis Island.

I had nodules in my thyroid earlier this year and had most of the gland removed. I thought the way I felt might have something to do with that but it turns out my insulin is through the roof! My Mum was a diabetic so it seems like I may have her crappy genes instead of my fit-as-a-Clydesdale Dad's.

As a result the doc wants me to go on a high protein diet for a month then get my blood tests done again.

So my question is:

Any recommendations on a high protein diet that will have a nice bit of variety?

I'm doing some research myself of course but was wondering if my wonderful Oris brothers and sisters had any experience/info/anecdotes to pass on.

Have at yea!

[bstadt6]

Alright Pete, here would be my recommendations for you:

Fish (all varieties as Omega fats are good for you)
Chicken and a lot of it, I wont' even tell you how much I grill a week
Lean red meat and I prefer ground turkey to beef
Protein Powders (all kinds on the market (whey/casein/albumen), but depending what other goals you have, if any, I can recommend some products)
Make sure you get your dairy, I eat yogurts/ricotta cheese/fat free milk
Snacks can be a variety of nuts, they are typically higher in calories and fats, but again these are the healthy ones. Just don't overdue it.

Finally, don't forget your fiber in forms of fruits and veggies and/or a fiber supplement as a high protein diet can sometimes really back people up if you know what I mean. I also recommend a good multi-vitamin that is not a caplet form. They don't digest as well.

If you have other specific questions feel free to email or pm me. I was a strength and conditioning coach full time for a while and now do personal training part time so I'm always willing to help with this kind of stuff. I'm working with a woman now who WAS pre-diabetic last April when I met her and has really turned things around. A lot of it is going to come down to you being willing to make certain lifestyle changes and stick with them.

Ok, I need to stop now or this will get ugly....

[Satansfist]

Nah that's what I need, I want to avoid the diabetes trail. I'm worried about variety and whether I have to be one of those guys asking for special meals at restaurants and that kind of thing.

And oh yeah, I can't stand fish of any persuasion! D'oh!

[ZeteticE]

Pete, it's a stupid suggestion, but double-check with the doc that your kidneys and liver can take high-protein diet. I heard a few stories from my friends of medical persuasions as to what "can" happen when people go on a diet like that with a hidden kidney problem. Basicly, they end up worse than they were before.

Take care mate, and I truly hope you'll be ok.

[MacConnechy]

Cant offer up any advice, but it seems Vlad and Bstad offer some good info.
I find a few cans of Guinness is pretty good for curing most things especially in the winter, lack of vitamins, lack of daylight etc.
A glass of whisky is also pretty good before bedtime.
Take care.

[ZeteticE]

I find a few cans of Guinness is pretty good for curing most things especially in the winter, lack of vitamins, lack of daylight etc.

Angus, Scots and Russians are alike . Guiness is one of the few beers I can drink .

[brodge77]

Take care mate, and I truly hope I'll be ok.

I think you mean "you'll"

[ZeteticE]

I think you mean "you'll"

Blimey. That's what hapepns when you are trying to do a dosen things at the same time on the last day of work before Xmas, munching at the free cake (requisitioned by semi-legal means from another lab) at the same time.

Of course it was supposed to be *YOU'LL*

[brodge77]

Any recommendations on a high protein diet that will have a nice bit of variety?

Hey Pete

I tried one of these a while back and had a bit of success and I stress the word bit!!! I, like you, am a large lad and also need to make some changes as over the last few years my waistline has grown with age. I am sure you know all the HP foods so I won't list them but the cracker for me was easing up on the carbs, bread in particular. Keep the water intake up which should be easier comming into summer. Let us know how you go mate. You know we all support you here!!

[bstadt6]

Nah that's what I need, I want to avoid the diabetes trail. I'm worried about variety and whether I have to be one of those guys asking for special meals at restaurants and that kind of thing.

And oh yeah, I can't stand fish of any persuasion! D'oh!

I should have also added I'm completely against Atkins and would NEVER recommend anything that completely cuts out a food group. i.e. carbs. Carbohydrates are your energy source and without them you won't make any long term goals or be successful. The key is to get your complex carbs such as brown rice and whole grain pastas and breads instead of the simple ones that contain more sugar. White bread is your enemy! You'd be surprised how your body will change if you just change the ratios of what you currently eat. You could continue to eat about the same amount of calories, but if your protein goes up and carbs come down your blood work would most likely reflect it.

Again, I'll stop for now.

[Satansfist]

Thanks guys for the good thoughts and advice. As far as I can tell from the doc the idea is to go on this diet for 4 weeks then do another blood test. I think he's looking to get a baseline to work from, to see if I am pre-diabetic or if it was some abberation in that days blood results. Blood sugar was fine, cholesterol was fine, the TSH levels (which are the thyroid hormone levels) were fine which amazed me seeing as how I had most of the damn thing removed! Just the insulin level was 32 when it should be below 12 (zoing!)

I'm going to talk to him some more about it. First thing he said though was you could afford to lose a cuppla kilos! But all that free food on Willis I said! What's a chap to do?! Be rude and refuse? My mother raised me better than that sir! Etc etc...

What I was looking for from you guys was more kinda a meal plan sort of thing, like how to make a high protein diet interesting.

[JRMH]

what's this d-i-e-t word you speak of? Must be an Australian thing...

haha I'm not any help on the diet front, sorry mate. I can cook... I just don't have any idea about calories, fats, protein, carbs etc.

PS you don't like fish!? All kinds of fish are tasty... especially halibut and fries ... which is also the definition of healthy Do you like any seafood?