I’ve been trying to figure out how to get enough protein into my day without making protein my full-time job, and I think I’ve finally cracked the code.
The trick for me has been front-loading it. I start the day with a protein shake, have a protein-focused snack in the late morning, and then I don’t feel like I’m spending the rest of the day trying to make up the difference. Lunch and dinner tend to take care of themselves.
Why I’m Paying More Attention to Protein
This has become especially important to me since I’ve lost some weight and realized I also need to pay attention to maintaining my strength. If you’re using a GLP-1 medication, it can be even more relevant because when you’re simply not that hungry, you have less room for food.
When you’re eating less, getting enough protein can become harder. Protein, along with resistance exercise, is one of the pieces that can help support lean mass and strength. Research and recent expert recommendations are increasingly focused on maintaining physical function and lean mass along with weight loss.
No one wants a complicated nutrition equation. For me, the question became much simpler:
How can I make getting enough protein easy enough that I actually do it every day?
The Easiest Protein Is the Protein You’ll Actually Eat
I teach Pilates, which means I’m often walking out the door, walking into the studio or jumping into my next thing. A ready-to-drink protein shake or a Chomps stick is infinitely more useful to me than a theoretically perfect protein source that requires preparation.
And this isn’t just a Pilates-teacher problem.
If you’re commuting, driving kids to activities, running between appointments or simply don’t want to cook another thing, having protein you can grab and go makes it much easier.
I’ve become a big believer in removing the friction. Because the routine that sticks is usually the one that’s easy to do.
My Protein Strategy
My current routine is pretty simple.
Morning: a ready-to-drink protein shake.
Late morning: something small and protein-focused, often a Chomps Sea Salt stick or another easy option.
Then I move on with my day. I’m not constantly thinking, How am I going to get enough protein?
And I don’t need every meal to be a high-protein production.
That little bit of front-loading takes some of the pressure off the rest of the day.
You Don’t Need One Perfect Protein Product
I’ve also realized that I don’t need one perfect product. I need options.
Elmhurst Sea Salt & Chocolate is my current favorite because I like the ingredients, I love the taste and the amount of protein works better for me than the 42 grams in the Core Power I used to reach for simply because it got me so much in one shot.
I keep Chomps Sea Salt around for something savory. Slate is there when I want coffee and protein. Bone broth gives me a warm, savory option when I don’t want another cold shake. And a sparkling protein drink is perfect for those times when the idea of another creamy shake is completely unappealing.
I also have protein powders for weekends when I have the time to prep and add extra ingredients like fruit or spinach.
I’ve put all of the products I’ve actually tried, use and recommend together here:
[Explore Mo’s Protein Picks →]
It’s my collection of protein drinks, powders and easy protein sources that have actually earned a place in my routine.
Protein Is Only Part of the Picture
This is where the working out with purpose part comes in. I want to stay strong, stable and capable. That’s why Pilates, strength training, walking and good nutrition all have a role in my routine.
Pilates helps me work on control, stability, mobility and how I move. Strength training gives my muscles a reason to stay strong. Walking keeps me moving throughout the day. And getting enough protein gives my body some of what it needs to support all of that.
Losing weight and working out with purpose aren’t separate goals. They’re part of the same bigger picture.
I already lost the weight I wanted to lose, but I also want to be strong enough to travel, carry my suitcase, walk all day, get up off the floor and keep doing the things I love.
And I’ve finally figured out that I don’t need a complicated system to get there.
Make the healthy choice the easy choice, and you’re a lot more likely to keep doing it.
