[FakeFrowns]

When I first started trying to lose weight by calorie counting I found it hard to keep my protein high and my carbs and fat low (using fitday). Now that i'm starting again having put 15lb of what i lost before back on over 5/6 months. I've started watching what I eat and now that i'm a uni student i notice that I eat a heck of a lot more carbs than I used to and i'm thinking this is why i put the weight back on. Considering i'm now a student on a budget, what's a cheap way of getting a lot more protein into my diet. I'm also meal planning this time round as that way i'll try and keep on plan unlike last time .
Thanks

[MISFIT]

I eat egg whites. 30 calories for 1/4 cup and 10 g of protein.. It comes in a carton in the dairy section

[chick_in_the_hat]

Cottage cheese, string cheese, protein powder (use it in smoothies and soups), peanut butter, greek yogurt, fish, chicken breast...that's the off the top of my head list.

When I started trying to get my protein percentages up - I found it handy to replace my normal carb serving at dinner with veggies and I upped my meat portion a little.

[shellerooskie]

How about water packed tuna? The whole can is 150 calories, 1.25g Fat, 0 Carbs, and 35 g of protein. I buy the reduced sodium tuna.

[FakeFrowns]

Thanks for your suggestions! Can you buy egg whites on their own in the uk?

[cfmama]

I just found these delicious Cloverleaf tuna steaks. You just rip open the pouch and nuke for 30 seconds. 30 grams of protein!!!

[archychick]

Sugar-free J-E-L-L-O

[FB]

Respectfully, Jello isn't a great protein source if you're looking to significantly up your ratios. I think a box, 4 servings, would be 4 grams of protein. Good low cal snack though, I agree.

I found that when I started cutting out empty carbs or unnecessary ones, my protein naturally went up higher. For instance, instead of using bread for a sandwich I would make lettuce wraps and be able to eat 2 or 3 rather than one sandwich for the same amount of calories. Fill them with tuna, chicken or turkey - yum!

[slimmingsi]

fakefrowns you can buy a 1 litre bottle of egg whits from some bodybuilding websites and health stores but they taste awful.

nuts, sunflower seeds, pulses, tuna.

i'm also a student in the uk down in the southwest. a good thing i use. is at tesco get a 99p bag of season veg. usually a few carrots an onion some leeks and a turnip. dice and boil them down then add say a cheap lb or 2 of mince and make a stew.portion is up into 5 or six servings serve with boiled potatos and you can eat it for dinner every day of the week for little more than £6

[FB]

Ah, glad to hear that review on the egg whites slimmingsi. I was about ready to plop down my money for a gallon or two. Thanks.

[nelie]

Beans - they are cheap and a good source of protein.

[Thighs Be Gone]

I am a big bean person--cheap, high in protein, versatile. I am also a huge fish person but usually fresh which, if you are a student can be pricey. Beans can be made into dip or even into patties and cooked--like a burger. Or, just eat them as your main course.

[FakeFrowns]

Thanks for all your ideas, i love the stew one especially!

[8675309]

I'm a college student as well.

I recommend going to the health section and getting a big thing of protein powder if you can and make milkshakes or fruit smoothies!

Beans and string cheese are also a "go to" item in my cupboards.

[FaithBW]

Originally Posted by MISFIT

I eat egg whites. 30 calories for 1/4 cup and 10 g of protein.. It comes in a carton in the dairy section

Same here. I eat an egg for breakfast every morning. For dinner, I also eat some kind of meat like poultry or fish.