Protein

During my first infusion the oncology nurse, Rosa, gave me several instructions one of which was to eat a lot of protein. Since I had no idea how much protein I ate or even how much I should eat, I decided to learn about protein.

I have learned that: protein is a part of every cell in our body; it is needed for our bodies to make enzymes and neurotransmitters; and fatty protein is vital to our immune system. Our bodies cannot make protein therefore we must consume enough every day to replace our daily losses.

Once I read how vital protein is to the immune system I realized how important it was for me to learn more, so I continued my research.

I learned that there is lean and fatty protein; protein with lectins; protein with fat and carbohydrates that are called glycoproteins; studies about lectin proteins and allergies; studies about too much protein and osteoporosis; etc.

I soon reached information overload and just wanted to know the answers to two questions: 1) How much protein should I be eating daily? and 2) What lean and fatty foods contained the highest protein?

On a couple of websites I found the following formula to determine the amount of protein for individuals:

Desired body weight in pounds _____ x 0.36 - 0.6 grams equals _______ amount of protein grams needed per day.

0.36 - 0.6 is a range of grams; use a lower number if you are in perfect health and physically fit. More protein is needed for when our health is not as good so use a higher number: during pregnancy; following surgery; if you are under emotional or physical stress; or if you are in weight training.

In the Links section of this blog (right column)I have posted the USDA's site where you can find a listing of the number of protein grams in food.

I spent several days researching and sorting through this information as well as planning meals and snacks so that I could eat enough protein in addition to the other foods needed on a daily basis. I found that I had to eat wisely and constantly to meet all of the requirements. When I did reach the goal, I felt overstuffed. Therefore, my next research project is to find a protein supplement that does not taste bad and mixes well with yogurt and fruit so I can have a smoothie once a day and get about one-third of my daily protein requirement!

Now you have some information if you want to look further into protein for yourself and you know how I spent some of my time during days 8 through 18.

By the way, I did learn that I could have 12 ounces of milk and three Chips Ahoy Chocolate Chip Cookies and get 15.5 grams of protein. And, if I needed just a couple of more grams to meet the goal I could eat Red Vines Jumbo Red Twists; two twists contain 1 gram of protein. Yes, in the midst of all this serious stuff my sense of humor still reigns!