Here’s to another completely reasonable (29F) self-experiment: hitting ~70–80g of protein daily (recommended for my weight) while maintaining it.
Initial conditions: probably under-eating protein, not tracking too closely, just vibes.
Methodology:
Protein shake with breakfast
Chicken or tofu and chickpea heavy meals for lunch
Some kind of Protein-focused, but at best low-carb dinner
Keep calories stable, not accidentally bulk
Results:
Surprisingly… harder than expected?
Even with “high-protein” meals, I keep ending up just below target unless I actively plan everything. And once I try to push protein higher, calories start creeping up.
Also realized how easy it is to think you’re eating enough protein when you’re just… not.
Current status:
Some days I hit 70–80g, some days I don’t. Consistency is questionable.
Final conclusion:
Hitting protein goals without increasing calories takes way more effort than expected.
Next step:
Figure out how people do this without living off protein shakes.
If anyone has tips, please share. I’m trying to become nutritionally functional.