After I read Dr. Bradley’s book, I realized why I was so hypoglycemic quite often because of my lack of sufficient protein.

Many people think that in order to gain more energy they need to up their carbohydrates.  Yes, those are important and I certainly would not do without them.  But because our bodies take much longer to process and digest protein, that energy last longer.

Now this isn’t a discussion on diet and all the arguments for and against.  I don’t even want to touch that.

But by increasing your protein intake when you’re pregnant (even into breastfeeding as well), you can function at your best.  If you don’t have your energy, you don’t have anything.  And we all know we never seem to have enough right now.

Increasing Protein Intake

Instead of going on about the importance of it, which you can dig into more here, I thought it would just be easier to talk about HOW you can do so, instead of WHY you should.  When things are cut and dried and plain in front of our face, it’s easier to just DO.

So I put together a bunch of ideas on how you can increase your protein intake with just some recipe tips for when you’re cooking or making meals.  It’s easier than trying to count the exact grams of protein from a meal plan, or trying to configure the best combination of foods on a daily basis.

Just establishing little things here and there in what you regularly eat will add up and you won’t have to worry about the bottom line.  Sorry, this isn’t a vegetarian or vegan list, but I’m sure if you are one of those individuals, you’ve become expert at adapting to your own needs.  So take your pick!

Related:  What You’re Not Doing To Have More Energy Every Day Without Caffeine

Breakfast Ideas

• have two eggs every morning, in sandwiches, french toast, scrambled, etc.
• make your toast and bagels whole grain wheat
• add healthier chicken sausage with your eggs or burrito
• or have beans in your burritos or with your eggs
• have whole wheat tortillas for breakfast burritos
• have milk as your drink
• switch your plain yogurt for Greek yogurt
• add peanut butter or cream cheese to your toast or bagels
• add tofu, protein powder or chia seeds to a smoothie
• have oatmeal or granola instead of plain cereal
• put rolled oats in your parfaits
• use pancake/waffle recipes calling for eggs
• add oats to your pancake/waffle batter
• have german pancakes instead of regular ones

Lunch Ideas

• add grilled chicken to your salads
• have nuts and beans on your salads
• always have a healthy meat and cheese in your sandwiches or wraps
• again, use whole wheat bread or tortillas
• always have beans and long grain brown rice with your Mexican food
• add hummus to your wraps or sandwiches
• make spinach your choice of greens for sandwiches or salads
• sprinkle chia seeds on your salads
• put hard boiled eggs on your sandwiches or salads
• use an unsweetened german pancake instead of bread or a wrap

Snack Ideas

• have almonds or peanuts your nuts of choice
• dip whole wheat crackers in peanut butter or almond spread
• dip your veggies in hummus or goat cheese
• stock up on quality protein bars with low glycemic index sugars, like Clif Bars
• make sure you snack bars have granola or oats in them
• have cubed lean meats and cheeses for finger foods

Dinner Ideas

• always have a lean meat with your meal
• cook whole wheat pasta instead of plain
• same salad suggestions as above
• have creamy sauces with dairy in them
• include broccoli, asparagus and cauliflower in your vegetables
• have long grain brown rice instead of white
• cook quinoa if rice gets boring
• add shrimp, chicken, tofu to your pastas and salads
• always have beans in your salads or on the side of Mexican
• use a savory german pancake as a pizza crust or bottom of a casserole

Dessert Ideas

• use recipes calling for eggs, chocolate souffles are great
• make part of your flour whole wheat when baking
• add nuts  and chia seeds to your baking and pies
• use milk instead of water when making frosting or just in any recipe
• use butter instead of oil
• add oats to pies and crisps instead of just using flour
• learn to love treats with peanut butter in them
• replace some of your flour with pureed beans or tofu
• have sweet german pancakes

My Brownie Recipe

So I thought it would be fun to just share this Black Bean Brownie recipe that I use a lot.  Don’t worry, I’m not going to be turning this into a recipe site, way too many of those I think.

But it’s a dessert and a treat you can feel good about because you’re not just consuming refined, nutrition-less sweets.  Enjoy!

Now that your salivating (I am), go ahead and make just one simple change to each meal or snack you have and you’ll be able to feel SUCH a difference in your energy levels.  Don’t rely on carbohydrates alone.  Your body will thank you!

>> Protect Your Baby From Radiation With This Little Blanket<<

When you subscribe to posts, you’ll get a copy of my free eBook Your Pregnancy Diet Plan where you can follow meal suggestions for your ENTIRE pregnancy.  Just a little help there.

What are your favorite high protein foods?

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