Protein Challenge – Let Me Eat Steak…and Pork and Chicken

The past few weeks of the Protein Challenge have sort of gone by in a blur. Actually, April in general went by in a flash! How is tomorrow the first day of May?!

So over the past two weeks, I’ve really tried to step up my protein game. Here are some of the awesome protein-rich meals I’ve had in the past 1-2 weeks.

Medium rare steak with gravy
Medium rare top sirloin at Medium Rare in Washington DC

Did you know that 3 oz of lean beef has an average of 154 calories? I have been able to eat 6-8 oz of beef at many meals and not have to worry about going over my caloric max for the day. I have eaten a lot of pork and chicken as well, but the photos in my kitchen don’t look near as great as the plated restaurant meals!

Breakfast sandwich full of protein
Bacon, egg and cheese on whole wheat English muffin

In addition to these delicious meals, I had a lot of string cheese, eggs and yogurt for breakfast and utilized beef jerky as my snack for the afternoon. For dinner, I focused on subbing out a dinner roll and instead eating cottage cheese as a side.

Sirloin steak with green beans and rice
8 oz sirloin for my birthday – medium rare of course!
The results of this challenge have been phenomenal for me – I have noticed a significant decline in my desire for afternoon snacks, I have increased energy (not as tired at night) and I my average mile time improved by 8-10 seconds overall.
I will most definitely keep the increased protein intake going in my life – I have no reason to go back! Why would I stop a dietary pattern that has given me more energy, improved quality of life while helping me stay fit? I would be insane to stop!
All the more reason to keep chowing down on pork chops, steaks and chicken wings!
So now I hope with all my heart that you will sign up for the Protein Challenge yourself and start down the path to a healthier, more energetic lifestyle. You have absolutely nothing to lose (except a few pounds if you do it right)!
Until next time,
~ Buzzard ~