66 Part I: Eating Right with Every Bite
Getting enough protein daily
Focus on eating high-quality protein at breakfast, lunch, and dinner when
possible. By using a protein supplement once or twice a day in the place of
snacks, you can be sure to get enough protein in your diet. Track the grams
of protein you consume daily so you’re certain to get the recommended
amount of protein based on your specific needs (generally 60 to 80 grams
each day).
Like with all types of supplements, protein supplements should not be your
whole source of protein. You may be tempted by the seemingly simple
solution of meal-replacement supplements and bars. They’re blends of
several kinds of protein including whey, casein, and soy, and may have
added vitamins and minerals, carbohydrates, fiber, and fat. However, they’re
meant to be used as an occasional meal replacement, not on a regular basis
as a meal replacement. Real foods provide many more nutrients than a meal
replacement bar ever can.
Your dietitian should be able to provide you with a list of appropriate
supplements available in local stores. Other protein supplements are
manufactured by the same companies who sell specialized supplements
and must be ordered. However, more and more surgeons are selling some
supplements out of their offices.
