Need Suggestions For Alternative Sources of Protein and Calcium

  • Hello,

    I am currently dieting and working out to lose weight. I keep hitting an wall due to my diet. My current diet plan excludes all junk, soda, baked and high carb foods. I eat meat, eggs and vegetables. I also drink milk, it is the regular milk because anything with a reduced percentage just tastes like a watered down substitute. I have come to terms with the fact that I might need to cut a few more items from my diet like whole milk and fatty protein, so I am looking for healthy alternatives.

    I guess my goal here is to find an alternative source of protein and calcium. I heard that any artificial means like pills and powders aren't as effective as consumption of a natural product. But I have no personal expirience to argue that statement.

    Please post your suggestions for protein and calcium alternatives and your opinions on calcium and protein powders/pills.
  • How long have been on this plan? Personally I think you should wait awhile to see how much you lose just from cutting out the junk, or at the most just reduce your intake of milk.

    A food diary might be helpful to track what you calorie intake is typically.
  • I would be happy to share some of those sources, but I agree with the PP on how long you have been on this plan. I am also curious what your exercise habits look like. My fiance can eat less and lose maybe one pound a week, doesn't matter what he eats. but if he hits it hard with exercise he can lose 2-3 pounds a week or more. He is heavy though so YMMV.
  • Cottage cheese
    Plain greek yogurt
    Atkins shakes

    I use these for alternative sources of calcium (and protein when I have not eaten much meat or fish). I do not drink milk but I do take a calcium/magnesium/vitaminD supplement at bedtime (500 mg). I don't care for protein powders and prefer to get my protein from natural food sources such as meat, chicken, fish, eggs or what I listed above.
  • nonfat greek yogurt is my favorite. A plain 6oz container is 90 calories and about 15g pro. You can add some mashed up fruit if you don't like the taste of the plain version.