My friend mentioned to me one day that protein makes you less tired. Now I'm not sure if that's true or not but it has caused me to switch my strategy a bit. Before I strictly focused on calorie intake. It worked for me. I've lost nearly 90 pounds since the beginning of 2008.

I've realized that over this time I have trained my body fairly well. I do not over eat. I do not crave massive amounts of food and do not gorge myself ever.

Anyway I have now began focusing on increasing my protein intake. I have bought a tub of whey protein to make 1 shake a day in the morning. All my snacks have a decent amount of protein and I have begun to focus my meals on getting the most amount of protein I can.

One thing I noticed when I was strictly focused of calories I felt relatively weak on occasions. I feel much stronger since increasing my protein. I haven't been increasing my exercise but I feel as soon as I reach that 155 mark I will.

Has anyone noticed subtle changes in how you feel after increasing protein?

Amazing isn't it?

When I started focusing on my macros and really working to get at least 100g of protein per day, lots of things changed for me.

I found I was satisfied with less food. I had more energy after eating. And working out was easier and more productive.

Now I get between 100g - 130g of protein per day. Probably 85% of that is food based, and the remaining 25g or so is from a scoop of protein powder after working out.

I can't see going back to eating less protein - it just would be counter productive.

I often tell people if nothing else... at least focus on reaching a protein target using "good foods." It has a funny way of indirectly controlling calories and does a few other neat things like preserve muscle, boost metabolism a bit, etc.

Once that foundation is set, throw in lots of fibrous veggies, some fruits, some healthy fats and you're set.

now, all i need is one of you guys to inform me on a good meal or two with lots of proteins. and ill be well on my way to it.

There are tons of meals that are high in protein. Hard to give you advice w/out knowing what you like to eat.

Any type of lean meat (chicken, pork, beef).
Eggs
Low fat dairy
Beans and legumes
Lentils
Some grains like quinoa

Do a google search on high protein foods and you'll get quite the list.

If you get unflavored whey protein, you can add that into foods that you eat everyday. You can put some in yogurt, soups, sauces, etc. You can also cook/bake with it. If you want some recipe ideas go to (links removed) They have some great recipes on their site. I have tried several of them.