Before I got pregnant I had started raising my protein intake, because honestly it just made me feel good, and gave me energy. I would have the majority of my daily carbs in the morning, maybe some with lunch, and I’d try to have as little as possible at dinner time. That routine, plus my daily vitamin made my body feel good. And with PCOS, typically I am always tired, and craving sweets or something unhealthy.

Once I got pregnant I kind of got relaxed with that, which looking back, wasn’t the best idea. I can feel myself struggling to get back to that diet, but each day I am working towards it again. I’m also doing other things, since now I also have a milk supply to think about. Drinking hydration drinks such as body armor, and making sure I’m getting my allotted amount of water that I need daily.

Tip 1. Eggs

Eggs are an easy source of protein that a lot of people have access to. Personally, I buy the large flats of eggs because not only to we use them for baking and cooking, but because I will usually have at least one or two boiled eggs for my lunch or snack every day. Eggs are also an easy additional side you can do with dinners if your like me and new to making low carb dinners. I mean, who doesn’t like deviled eggs!?

Tip 2. Pork Rinds

Did you know that pork rinds are another source of protein? Yesterday, we had sandwiches for dinner, and typically you pair chips with sandwiches, well, this time, we paired it with pork rinds. Less carbs than your regular chips, and your getting more protein. From now until I get to my goal weight, I’ll be substituting chips for the pork rinds.

Tip 3. Cheese

Cheese is one where you don’t want too much of, but is also another great source of protein. Personally, I’m not huge on cheese. I do enjoy it though. So Sometimes I’ll get cottage cheese, other times I’ll try a new cheese that’s on sale, just to keep things fresh and new.

Tip 4. Snack plates

The first time I saw this was on tick tock. And this woman made a snack plate of just various things she had around the house. I loved the idea and tried it the next day. Now, snack plates are part of our go to lunches at times. They can get elaborate, or be very basic. But snack plates are an easy way to also determine how much protein your getting that day.

For example. When your making your snack plate, you can put together eggs, cheese, deli meat, some nuts like almonds or cashews, and then maybe some veggies or pickles. With it all listed out like this, almost everything on your plate has protein on it, so you know your probably getting a decent amount for that plate (or if your my husband you can get all the numbers and calculate how much exactly. If you REALLY wanted to.

Tip 5. Drink your protein

Weather your drinking it in smoothie form (Yogurt, milk, chia seeds all contain protein). Or just adding protein powder to milk in the mornings, drinking your daily dose of protein is another easy way to get more in. Epically if your family is always on the go. If your picky like I am chocolate protein powder and milk would probably be easier at first. (But I’ll be documenting my smoothie journey soon, don’t you worry)

If there’s one thing I’ve learned this time around is that for me anyway, there is a noticeable improvement in my energy levels and mood when I’m making sure I get enough protein. Not only that, but when I breastfeed my daughter she also seems happier, fuller, ect. And I’m able usually able to pump enough milk to get a small stash built up in the freezer. Taking care of myself also is helping keep away the baby blues, even with having so much to do with my husband going back to work, while also keeping up with this blog too.