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This post is brought to you by The Beef Checkoff and The Motherhood. All opinions are my own.
As some of you know, from September 24 through October 24 I participated in The Beef Checkoff 30 Day Protein Challenge. The Motherhood asked me to take part in the #ProteinChallenge and see if this simple diet change could make a difference in my overall health and wellness. With the kids back in school, this was the perfect time for this, as I would have more time to focus on myself and what I eat. Game on!
Apparently, most Americans consume almost all (about two-thirds) of their daily protein at dinner despite how some research has shown it may be beneficial to spread out your protein intake over the course of the day, in roughly balanced amounts.
What is The Beef Checkoff 30 Day Protein Challenge?
The #ProteinChallenge consisted of:
Keeping track of my food, hunger, and moods.
Following this calendar:
In the beginning, I learned what foods filled me up and which did not. My protein levels were all over the place along with my moods. Eating Pringles for a snack may taste good but in the long run, doesn't do much in terms of filling me up. My hunger levels were crazy high by the time 3pm rolled around because of being a breakfast skipper. By that time I was STARVING and it was hard to fill myself up, but anything and EVERYTHING sounded good in the moment. Not a good thing!
So Did The Protein Challenge Pay Off?
Yes! As I progressed through the challenge I learned that protein really does fill you up. It's NOT a myth guys! I filled up quicker and for way longer. I wasn't hungry between meals snacking on lord knows what. When I did snack I chose protein rich foods like beef jerky. My STARVING, crazy moments subsided and I was rarely hungry.
What Was The Hardest Part Of The Protein Challenge?
Honestly, the hardest part was eating when I wasn't hungry. When they say protein helps you feel fuller immediately and longer, they mean it! It became hard for me to follow the calendar with such little appetite but I wanted to stick to the plan. When it came time to start eating breakfast I went for protein rich yet lite foods to help me out.
Making a new protein-rich meal every week helped keep things interesting and me moving along with the calendar. Thank you Beef It's What's for Dinner for all of the yummy recipes!
This #ProteinChallenge even got me back to my roots. In case you didn't know my 90-year-old grandfather lives with me and my family. He's 100% Mexican and often has cravings from his childhood like picadillo.
Picadillo is a comfort food typically made with ground beef, tomatoes, and other ingredients (depending on where you live). The one I make is very similar to hash and it's delicious. My grandfather loved it! And it was totally easy to get my balanced protein serving out of this meal. One cup of my Beef Picadillo With Potatoes gives you 30 grams of protein!
Now What?
I am going to try to stick to balancing the protein in my meals. If you don't want to feel hungry this is definitely the way. Take break days because that NOT hungry feeling will linger over causing you to eat less those days. And it has its benefits…
Surprisingly, even with eating three meals a day that consisted of WAY more food than I normally eat, I lost a couple pounds. I was totally shocked and THRILLED! More energy, low hunger, and weight loss!!
Join the Protein Challenge today and you’ll receive goals, tips, and inspiration to keep you on track. If you think about it, 30 days is nothing in the big picture of things. If you hate it, then stop after the 30 days and never eat that way again, but you really have nothing to lose.
Remember, one small change in your diet can make a big difference in the way you feel. The 30 Day Protein Challenge is a fun, step-by-step way to help you get an optimal amount of protein throughout your day.
Protein puts the wheel in your hands and gives you the control you need to take on the day. Avoiding that “I’m STARVING!!” feeling encourages you to make the right food choices, not just at that particular meal but all day long!
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
Wow kudos to you for finishing this challenge. I never though of taking a protein challenge but I bet it is good for managing your meals and hunger levels better.
I think it’s a great diet plan. It won’t make you feel like you’re depriving yourself and you won’t feel hungry either. This challenge is definitely worth it!
I need to try this for my husband and myself! We are both trying to workout daily and fix our eating habits. This would be a great way to ensure we get the protein we need!
This is a great challenge. We need to be more aware of the kinds of foods that we put into our bodies. This is a great way to stay accountable to oneself.
What an interesting challenge, I will have to bare this in mind when I am having hunger cravings in the afternoon to remember to have something more protein orientated! I bought protein dark chocolate the other day and it was really good at keeping the hunger at bay!
Oooh I love this! I was just telling my husband that I wanted to really work on my diet this year! I eat so horribly and now that I’m starting to get older I want to be healthy!
I am a huge fan and believer of a protein-rich diet and I actually eat protein all throughout the day…and I love finding new recipes I can make for dinner!
This is an awesome challenge! I happen to be a protein junky and eat it at pretty much every meal. Honestly, I don’t feel right without my morning protein.
The thing about diets is you just don’t know what to eat. Apparently that’s not the case here. You have SO many great options that not only work for you, but also for your family who would have to “deal” with your new diet 😉
Oh, I know! I felt like I was eating too much sometimes but in reality, it was perfect. I was glad it didn’t change my family’s eating habits that much either so they didn’t realize the healthy change, it was awesome.
I agree with the protein. I learned that many years ago, about how it will keep you full and have always ensure to give my children protein for breakfast for a good start to the day. I like the challenge. Thanks for sharing the recipe also!
We love proteins in this family! We have to be sure to manage portion control, however. We like our steaks thick and rare! We also love finding protein in other sources, too. The 30 day challenge could be really fun!
I know, I was surprised as well but protein is crucial to so many things health wise for your body. It helps it function normally and makes you not eat as much which is the biggest part.
Yumm these recipes look great and I def know what you mean about trying to eat even when you don’t feel hungry. I did the 21 day fix in order to try to make sure I was eating enough calories in a day and I felt like I was eating all day long and was never even hungry haha.
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Cream of Broccoli Soup
Oh wow for real lost weight on pretein challenge, I so want to try it too and see if it will work for me too
Miranda,
It was well worth the try! It was different but a good different!
I had never thought of the concept either until I ran across this challenge. It was different but you’re right, it made managing much easier.
I have always wanted to try a protein challenge but have always been skeptical. Thanks for putting my mind more at ease to give it a go xoxo
What an interesting thirty day protein challenge. I think this is healthy and great for any meat-lover!
Yes! Meat lovers would have a blast with this challenge!
This is really a great challenge. I would love to do this for myself and see if I have the same type of results.
You definitely should try it! It was an eye-opener and it truly made a difference.
I would be open to try this. It seems healthy and good and I love meat.
You should try it! If you like protein, I think you will do great!
If I’m not mistaken I joined the protein challenge. I just need to check my email and take advantage of the tips, lol.
Yes! The tips are amazing, don’t miss those! If you have any questions, feel free to ask!
Wow, this challenge sounds great! That’s amazing that you actually ate more food than usual but still lost weight among those other benefits!
I know, right?! It floored me and it changed my outlook on how important protein was.
Wow kudos to you for finishing this challenge. I never though of taking a protein challenge but I bet it is good for managing your meals and hunger levels better.
I had never thought of the concept either until I ran across this challenge. It was different but you’re right, it made managing much easier.
Very interesting. I am horrible about eating enough protein but I get more than my share of carbs. This is something that I am going to have to try.
Carbs are a common weakness, I don’t blame you! They’re so good, haha! You can do it!
I’m a big fan of protien rich diets. I always feel more full on them and then subsequently lose weight.
Yes, I was truly surprised at the weight loss. I had no idea how important protein was.
I think it’s a great diet plan. It won’t make you feel like you’re depriving yourself and you won’t feel hungry either. This challenge is definitely worth it!
Yes it is! I have failed at so many diets because I was hungry and felt deprived non-stop. This one was much easier!
I believe the foods we put into our body directly correspond to how we feel. Keeping yourself accountable is so important.
You are so right! I felt much better and more energetic when I was paying attention the things going into my body.
I need to try this for my husband and myself! We are both trying to workout daily and fix our eating habits. This would be a great way to ensure we get the protein we need!
Oh yes, especially if you’re working out, protein is super important! Good luck on your health adventure!
wowwow!! epic recipes and great challenges, it’s a great way to stay on a schedule.
Yes! The recipes were pretty awesome which made the entire challenge much easier!
This is a great challenge. We need to be more aware of the kinds of foods that we put into our bodies. This is a great way to stay accountable to oneself.
You’re so right! Many people have no idea the crazy things they’re putting in their bodies.
Oooo what a neat challenge!!! I’m a total meat lover so getting enough protons for me isn’t an issue… my daughter however…. she needs this challenge!
My boys have no issue with it but I certainly do. That’s great that you’re so good at getting it in!
What an interesting challenge, I will have to bare this in mind when I am having hunger cravings in the afternoon to remember to have something more protein orientated! I bought protein dark chocolate the other day and it was really good at keeping the hunger at bay!
I have never heard of protein dark chocolate. I will have to look into that!
This is so fascinating. I am not too big on meat, so it would be interesting to try this for 30 days.
I wasn’t huge on meat either but it really wasn’t as hard as I thought it was going to be. I bet you could handle it!
Oooh I love this! I was just telling my husband that I wanted to really work on my diet this year! I eat so horribly and now that I’m starting to get older I want to be healthy!
I know how that goes! Getting older makes it harder to stay healthy which is why we need to work harder at it. Good luck!
Protein is such an important part of our diet. I bet this is a great challenge to do!
It’s a GREAT challenge to do! You should try it if you have the time!
Protein is very important! This a wonderful challenge.
I agree! I didn’t realize how important until I did this challenge.
I am a huge fan and believer of a protein-rich diet and I actually eat protein all throughout the day…and I love finding new recipes I can make for dinner!
Good for you, I wish I were better at it! I need to get a peek at your recipes!
Protein is definitely something I struggle with making sure I get enough. It is not may favorite thing to eat.
Don’t feel bad, I am the same way. I think a lot of people struggle with it.
My family loves Beef Picadillo! I’m guilty of having most of my protein intake during dinner time. What a great challenge.
I think we’re all guilty of it most of the time, haha. So nice to hear of another family who enjoys Picadillo!
This is an awesome challenge! I happen to be a protein junky and eat it at pretty much every meal. Honestly, I don’t feel right without my morning protein.
I was horrible about my breakfast. I wish I was more like you!
The thing about diets is you just don’t know what to eat. Apparently that’s not the case here. You have SO many great options that not only work for you, but also for your family who would have to “deal” with your new diet 😉
Oh, I know! I felt like I was eating too much sometimes but in reality, it was perfect. I was glad it didn’t change my family’s eating habits that much either so they didn’t realize the healthy change, it was awesome.
This sounds like a great challenge!! This recipes sounds great, I am always looking for ways to get more beef in my diet.
It WAS a great challenge, you should try it! I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe!
I need to try this for myself. I struggle with getting weak when my blood sugar drops. This would be great for me!
I have a friend who is the same way. This challenge truly opens your eyes to your eating habits, that’s for sure!
I agree with the protein. I learned that many years ago, about how it will keep you full and have always ensure to give my children protein for breakfast for a good start to the day.
I like the challenge.
Thanks for sharing the recipe also!
That’s really smart to make sure your kids have a protein rich breakfast. It will ensure they have plenty of energy throughout the day!
We love proteins in this family! We have to be sure to manage portion control, however. We like our steaks thick and rare! We also love finding protein in other sources, too. The 30 day challenge could be really fun!
If you guys already have a protein rich diet, then you’re right, it could be really fun for all of you. Portion control is the big one.
I think I might just try this for the month of December or January, I can’t believe you lost weight! The food looks amazing too btw
I know, I was surprised as well but protein is crucial to so many things health wise for your body. It helps it function normally and makes you not eat as much which is the biggest part.
Yumm these recipes look great and I def know what you mean about trying to eat even when you don’t feel hungry. I did the 21 day fix in order to try to make sure I was eating enough calories in a day and I felt like I was eating all day long and was never even hungry haha.
I’ve done a similar diet and it DOES feel like you’re eating non-stop. It’s crazy how that’s good for you! haha
I love your recipe! You can use it to make “empanadas”. It is a Colombian recipe and it’s so easy.
Good to know! My grandpa wants me to make some empanadas but he’s wanting a sweet potato version.