Why is it so hard to eat a lot of protein without consuming a ton of calories?

I decided to go back to counting calories because I’m trying to keep track of my macros. I need to get in around 100 grams of protein because of deficiencies etc.

I need low calorie *high* protein vegetarian options, if any of you have suggestions 🥲

I’ve been mostly consuming eggs with cheese, high protein boosts (250 calories, 20 grams of protein), and Premier Protein bars (200 calories, 20 grams of protein).

I have a habit of being a picky eater 😔 but I need more than just a ton of eggs and protein drinks/bars. The way I make my eggs probably add a lot of calories because I like them fluffy and actually good, so I use butter and whole milk for when I scramble them.

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SW-User

Is there a reason you want to keep calories on the lower side?

Veggies like Cauliflower are surprisingly high in protein.
Tofu
Nuts like peanuts.
Lentils, esp black lentils.
Cheeses

And if you have these with some kind of salad/ fiber, you trigger less insulin, which is a fat storing hormone. And more important to track than calories.

I'd keep away from protein drinks and bars though because of the way your insulin can react to some of the ingredients. They call them health foods and drinks but might not be as healthy as we are led to believe.

666Maggotz · F

@SW-User I’m mostly worried about the weight gain. I’m fine with my current size but this is like my max.

SW-User

@666Maggotz In that case, counting macros is not the way to go about it. It is how you balance your meals, along with what kind of food you eat (so things like processed food, sugar, wheat or anything that is high on Insulin index is a food to drastically reduce), and timing of your food, even the order of the food you eat has a great impact. E.g - Start the meal with the salads/ greens, then the protein along with good quality fats and then the carbohydrate part of your meal should always be eaten last. Adding lemon juice to your carb (where you can) inhibits the insulin activity because it doesn't allow for the starches to be digested in the mouth by inhibiting salivary amylase.
There is a lot to this, and hard for me to make concise but you can take this and research further on this.