Friday is getting soooo close – I can’t wait! I have a fun weekend planned but I’ll tell you more about that later. I wanted to talk about a few health/nutrition-related things today.
First up, protein.
For the past couple of weeks I have had this feeling tat I need to increase my protein intake. Over the past few months I have cut back on my meat intake pretty significantly and upped my strength training quite a bit. This combination has left me feeling a little depleted. While I am really good about getting protein from meatless sources (beans, tofu, tempeh, quinoa, Greek yogurt, etc.), I think it’s a pretty clear sign that my body needs more protein when I crave meat-based protein.
I have been making an effort to eat a bit more lean protein, eggs and fish and I’m feeling better and stronger already. Also, I ordered some protein powder today. We were placing an order for the club and I talked to the rep about a good protein powder for me that was pretty natural and didn’t contain artificial sweeteners. He recommended Metabolic Nutrition Protozyme and after some research I decided it was a good choice for me.
It’s a pharmaceutical-grade protein powder that was developed by a physician. It’s also fortified with 24 essential vitamins and minerals which I consider a plus because I stopped taking a daily vitamin about 6 months ago. We’ll talk more about that in a minute. I will let you know what I think about the protein powder once I try it!
Next up, allergies.
You know how I have been commenting on how tired I have been recently? Well, a friend of mine sent me an email recommending that I try taking allergy medicine. Apparently, allergies don’t present the same way in everyone and while I do not have a stuffy nose and watery eyes, it doesn’t mean that my immune system isn’t working hard to fight off irritants. It makes total sense. Everything here is coated in yellow and I can feel myself inhaling it in when I run. My throat has also been scratchy. I did used to struggle with allergies in high school so I know that I do have a propensity towards it.
I picked up some Allegra a few days ago and I swear I have felt so much better since I started taking a daily dose. Generally, I try to take as little medicine as possible but if this helps my energy levels right now then I am all for it!
Finally, vitamin D…and vitamins in general.
I have tested deficient in vitamin D for the past two years at my annual exam. My doctor wrote me a prescription for a weekly high-dose pill, I filled it but I haven’t taken it. Having an adequate vitamin D level is critical for calcium absorption and good bone health. I used to take a daily multivitamin but stopped in favor of trying to get my nutrients from food and not a pill.
Right now I am in maximum “take the best care of my body/want to feel good” zone so I am reconsidering my stance on vitamins. I think I’m going to start taking my D supplement and possibly add a multivitamin back in.
What are your thoughts on supplements/vitamins? Do you take them?
I’ll finish up this post with a look at Wednesday eats for ya!
Apple cinnamon oatmeal.
Egg salad sandwich with sprouts, tomatoes and spinach. I have been craving egg salad for weeks and finally made some on Wednesday morning. I hard boiled some eggs and mixed them with light mayo, Greek yogurt, salt and pepper. Super simple. Super delicious.
Greek yogurt, granola and almond butter. For the record, I am not a fan of the new passion fruit Chobani. Ick.
A terrible picture of my delicious dinner. Barbecue chicken flatbread with caramelized onions, roasted peppers, lots of cheese and a cilantro sour cream sauce. I managed to polish this off leaving only one slice for a friend to take home! 😉
That’s all!
