getting enough protein when your m/s makes you not want to eat anything?

TKtravels · June 2012

Is anyone else concerned about whether or not you are getting enough protein (or any other nutrient)?

I just had my first round of bloodwork done, and everything is fine more or less (one point outside of low range on hematocrit), but I just learned that pregnant women need about 70 grams of protein daily, and I typically only eat about 50.

Now I've got to find a way to up my protein intake, all while being constantly nauseous and fighting the urge to vomit.

I'm vegetarian, and starting to add in bits of meat/poultry/fish is something I refuse to do, although even if I wanted to, the mere sight or smell of most animal products sets off my gag reflex and then I get sick. I lost it in the grocery store last week.. it was lovely.

Anyway, I know how to get extra protein (in terms of what additional foods I need to be eating or trying to eat), I just don't know how I'm actually going to eat it because right now, everything sounds gross and I don't want to eat anything beyond crackers, grapes or sparkling water.

myco bonnie · June 2012

I'm in a similar situation. I'm vegetarian and I know what things I should be eating, but have been sticking to whatever I can tolerate, which isn't the best nutritionally. I've been using a lot of meat replacement foods, like soy protein sausages and burgers etc. I'm not sure if this would be an appealing option for you if meat is setting off your nausea.

How do you go with milkshakes and smoothies? I've started using protein powder (the type bodybuilders use) and adding it to fruit smoothies, which is also a good way of getting fruit and calcium.

I also try to add lentils to pasta sauce which gives it a nice texture. Baked beans are a good option for me too.

Obviously this is all based on things I have been tolerating well, which may be completely wrong for you, but I hope it helps. I try to also keep in mind that this is a temporary phase, and that when I can I'll get back to eating well.

JennV514 · June 2012

I drink Ensure Plus.

Agshan08 · June 2012

Did you mention it to your OB? A lot of them will give you Zofran (anti-vomiting med) to help you be able to keep food down. Also make sure you are trying to eat very small amounts throughout the day. For a lot of women getting hungry actually worsens the nausea.

Allycat11 · June 2012

I would recommend looking into trying something to combat the nausea first of all. Personally, I take Zofran as needed and it works great. Other people swear by sea bands, preggie pops, coke (Which also helps me) and ginger ale. I'm sure there are other options as well but these are the first that come to mind.

The easiest way to increase protein in my mind is by making a protein shake or smoothie. You can add spinach, fruits, vegetables, liquid of choice (milk, almond milk, juice, etc...). Not only will you increase your protein intake, but it is a way to get a lot of nutrients in an easier to stomach way. When your stomach is feeling better try incorporating things like peanut butter, beans and almonds into meals and snacks. Right now you may even be able to stomach peanut butter toast or pb and crackers.

sekura · June 2012

Eating protein tends to reduce my nausea--though the first bite or two is usually tough. 4:30 am I'll have a glass of chocolate soymilk (then go back to bed). 6:30 I have toast with peanut butter and honey. I try to eat lots of peanut butter, soy, cheese, beans, etc. throughout the day. I've got a pretty severe gag reflex, but I still haven't thrown up yet (knock on wood); I think because I'm eating really early and eating protein.

Kay1029 · June 2012

Try any kind of drink that is high in protein. I know that Bolthouse Farms has a chai latte that is really high in protein that I try to have at least an 8oz glass of daily. I am not a vegetarian but the smell of meat makes me gag instantly now. Getting the right amount of protein is hard for me too.

jenn248 · June 2012

I'm a vegetarian as well, and I was also going to suggest smoothies. I personally can't stand the taste of protein powders, so I have been adding Greek yogurt to mine. Between that and milk, that's a pretty decent amount of protein in one serving.

ETA - It sounds like crackers are one of the few things you can eat, and some crackers do have protein (e.g. I have a box of Wheat Thins in front of me, and they have 2 g/serving). It's not a lot, but better than nothing.

tombomb84 · June 2012

I am having this same exact problem. I am a vegetarian as well and I had this grand plan of drinking milk, eating cheeses, greek yogurt, nuts and beans to get all of the protein I need. Unfortunately I am having a horrible aversion to all things dairy which is putting a major kink in that plan. I can throw up just by thinking about a glass of milk. I was actually thinking about calling a nutritionist because I have been so concerned!

sbevmc09 · June 2012

I know that my diet is extremely lacking right now, but I have enough to worry about (like making it through the day!) without obsessing about what my body is getting and not getting. Of course it's always best to eat an optimal diet, but I know that the situation I'm in is temporary and soon enough I'll get back to eating a more balanced diet. A few weeks of missing out on some nutrients isn't going to hurt anything. My body has stores of vitamins and nutrients to draw from right now and when I'm feeling better I will be able to do a lot better about replacing what's being used right now.

With that said, I do try to make good choices whenever possible. Protein is important to me, as well as healthy fats. I try to get in cheese, nuts/nut butter, greek yogurt, beans, or eggs whenever possible. I also try to eat at least something "fresh" everyday, usually in the form of fresh fruit. My diet definitely leaves a lot to be desired right now, but like I said, I do what I can. I know a few weeks isn't going to hurt anything and soon I'll be able to get things back on track.

TKtravels · June 2012

Thanks for all of your responses! I feel a lot better (like I'm not doing something wrong!) by hearing that I'm not the only one who may not be eating everything I need to be. I hope we're all feeling normal with regard to nausea soon!

Now I'll go snack on some apples with peanut butter!

bundymommy · June 2012

Don't feel bad about what you're eating: I ate an entire box of mac 'n cheese for dinner last night, and it. was. so. good.

With my first I would try to have crackers and PB with a glass of milk before bed. Getting a little protein in my system seemed to help with the nausea in the morning. I never had terrible m/s though.

But I second what others said: eating those crackers with PB made me want to hurl.

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getting enough protein when your m/s makes you not want to eat anything?

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