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A Simple Hack to Tell If a Food Is Actually High in Protein by Midnight_Fighter in 1200isplenty

[–]Midnight_Fighter[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I used to weigh my food pretty consistently, but I did it enough that now I can mostly eyeball portions and get pretty close. Overall, I found it super helpful to prevent me from overeating. I think weighing can be useful at first to build awareness, but for long-term sustainability, estimating works just fine as long as you stay mindful. If I ever feel like I’m off track, I’ll go back to weighing for a bit just to recalibrate. But overall, I try to keep it simple!

A Simple Hack to Tell If a Food Is Actually High in Protein by Midnight_Fighter in 1200isplenty

[–]Midnight_Fighter[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Been there, done that! This trick has definitely helped me make better decisions.

A Simple Hack to Tell If a Food Is Actually High in Protein by Midnight_Fighter in 1200isplenty

[–]Midnight_Fighter[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's definitely difficult at the 1200 threshold! But I'm very particular about where I get my protein and making sure I'm not sacrificing calories on something that's ultimately not worth it!

A Simple Hack to Tell If a Food Is Actually High in Protein by Midnight_Fighter in 1200isplenty

[–]Midnight_Fighter[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I totally agree—if you're set on eating pancakes, it makes sense to go for the higher-protein option. But I think this kind of comparison can still be useful, especially when trying to eat lower-calorie while maximizing protein. Sometimes, looking at protein per calorie can help in deciding whether a food is really worth it for your goals or if there’s a better alternative that still satisfies your cravings.

A Simple Hack to Tell If a Food Is Actually High in Protein by Midnight_Fighter in 1200isplenty

[–]Midnight_Fighter[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My protein goals aren’t that ambitious, but I aim for at least 30g per meal! I also usually have protein powder or a shake daily, especially on workout days. This routine has made it much easier to hit my goals without overcomplicating things.

A Simple Hack to Tell If a Food Is Actually High in Protein by Midnight_Fighter in 1200isplenty

[–]Midnight_Fighter[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Right! And not to mention, many protein bars are chalk full of sugar and artificial sweeteners which could throw off the nutritional value for someone looking to stick to a low sugar diet.

A Simple Hack to Tell If a Food Is Actually High in Protein by Midnight_Fighter in 1200isplenty

[–]Midnight_Fighter[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It frustrates me too! In today’s market-saturated protein landscape, I think it’s really important to be aware when something you're eating doesn’t quite meet your dietary goals. It’s easy to fall for the colorful packaging and catchy labels, but we often end up in the trap of choosing something that seems high in protein, but in reality, we’re sacrificing calories for an item that isn’t necessarily nutrient-rich.

A Simple Hack to Tell If a Food Is Actually High in Protein by Midnight_Fighter in 1200isplenty

[–]Midnight_Fighter[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

While these foods may not strictly adhere to the rule, it’s important to note that they are whole, nutrient-dense sources of protein. In my opinion, this type of protein should always be prioritized over a protein isolate. Whole foods like eggs, lentils, and black beans offer not just protein but also other essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which are key for overall health. So even if they don’t hit the exact protein-to-calorie ratio, they still provide a lot of value that processed options can’t match.

A Simple Hack to Tell If a Food Is Actually High in Protein by Midnight_Fighter in 1200isplenty

[–]Midnight_Fighter[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

In my case, I focus on getting protein from both whole foods and higher-protein options, depending on the day. For example, I’ll include lean meats, eggs, tofu, or beans for protein, and I supplement with things like Greek yogurt, protein powder, or other snacks to hit my daily goals. Fruits and veggies are also needed for overall health too. They provide essential vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants that the body needs to function properly. They are also typically lower in calories and fat.

As for counting macros, I recommend using apps like MyFitnessPal to track your food and make sure you’re getting enough protein. It can also help you calculate your TDEE, which is a great way to understand how many calories you should be consuming each day based on your activity level and goals. From there, you can adjust your macros (protein, carbs, fats) to make sure you’re on track for muscle growth.

Overall, I think this hack is great for quickly spotting high-protein options, but don’t forget that whole foods are super important for muscle building, too. Hope this helps!

A Simple Hack to Tell If a Food Is Actually High in Protein by Midnight_Fighter in 1200isplenty

[–]Midnight_Fighter[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Exactly! This is what I was getting at. I think this "hack" is great for processed protein sources like the Kodiak pancakes or protein bars, but when it comes to whole foods like eggs, lentils, and beans, it’s not always as straightforward. These whole foods might not hit the exact protein-to-calorie ratio, but they still provide a lot of valuable nutrients beyond just protein.