Delhi:It can be hard to get enough protein on a vegetarian diet. It can feel like there aren't many choices. And at some point, it gets old. Low-fat paneer usually comes in at that point. Simple, easy to get, and full of protein. It makes sense on paper.
But in real life, not everyone likes it. It can feel dry to the touch. Sometimes it feels like rubber. And when you start to feel like eating something every day is a chore, your consistency goes down. That's when things start to go wrong.
On April 22, Raj Ganpath, a fitness coach from Chennai with 18 years of experience, talked about this in an Instagram video. He is the founder of the Slow Burn Method, co-founder and head coach at Quad Fitness, and author of Simple, Not Easy. He asked how long this method could really last.
The fitness coach said, "I have a question for vegetarians who eat low-fat paneer." "I know you're eating it because you need to get enough protein, since you're trying to lose weight or get fit." But what do you plan to do in the long run? I tried it last week when I had no other protein options, and it was so bad that I couldn't eat it. It felt like I was eating leather. Guys, this could make you choke. It's that dry.
Why you can't rely on low-fat paneer alone for a long time
He said that the worry goes beyond just meeting protein goals. It's about whether you can really stick with what you're doing.
You can reach a goal with short-term fixes. But it's a different story to stay there. If you plan to stick with something for a few weeks and then go back to your old ways, the results don't last very long.
Raj said, "If you're working toward a goal and you think, 'I'll just do this for now, for the next two months, a few weeks, and then I can go back to eating the way I was,' it's not going to work." "Whatever it is that you're trying to do, whether it's losing weight, getting fit, or something else, it's not enough to just get there. You need to keep those results once you get there. And you have to keep working hard to keep those results. And that means getting enough protein.
In the end, it's all about making habits that you feel you can stick with. Not just something you have to deal with for a while.
Vegetarian options with more protein to include
He told people not to rely on just one food, but to mix things up.
He specifically mentioned tofu and tempeh as two options. At first, they might not seem familiar, but they could become regular parts of meals. Adding more lentils and Greek yogurt can also help make your diet more balanced.
“Maybe you should mix it up,” Raj said. "Get your low fat paneer from here. Sure if you like it but try tofu. I know you’re not into it but give it a try. Try tempeh. I know its new but do give it a try. These two foods actually have more potential of becoming a regular part of your meals than this leathal. Eat more lentils and Greek yoghurt too. And definitely supplement with a good protein powder because you don’t have too many protein options as a vegetarian.”
The idea is quite simple. Variety makes it easier to be consistent.
And if eating protein starts to feel like something you have to force, it generally doesn’t last. It’s far more likely to stick if it’s easy — even a little bit fun.
Disclaimer: The tips and suggestions in this article are for general information only and should not be taken as professional advice. Before starting a fitness program or making any changes to your diet, you should always talk to a professional.