CF/GF and pregnant ... wondering about soy

[MyLittleWonders]

I've been GF for just shy of 3 years. I am almost completely CF (still having occasional cheese and using butter - neither of those seem to make me feel the wrath of IBS pain). I'm pregnant now though and really not liking most any protein (this is pretty common for me when pregnant). I'm curious if soy is a viable option for adding any protein (for instance, smoothies with organic soy milk). I'm very hesitant to use it ... I do eat nut butters, occasionally eat chicken/fish/red meat/eggs, and do seem to eat a lot of black beans, but I know I do not get enough protein in my diet (even on good days). I used to eat a lot of yogurt - I would use it in my smoothies in the mornings. Now if I make smoothies, I'm back to just coconut milk, fruit, greens powder, and raw honey ... no protein. So, if soy an alright option for protein? Or should it be avoided and I just need to figure out how to swallow down more of the protein that I am okay eating?

(I'm not sick ... it's just that when pregnant, I have almost no appetite, at least for the first half or so, and protein is on the bottom of the list of appealing foods. )

[lil_miss_understood]

I wouldn't advocate using soy. Maybe in moderation IF it's certified organic (not GMO). The newest research has shown that GMO soy causes sterility in 3 generations in gerbils. (Don't have the link, sure WuWei does. I know it's on heal-thyself.) I'm still on the fence about "regular" soy, so I can't in good conscience suggest anyone else use it.

Have you considered buying some hemp protein powder to add to your shakes?

Oh and...
Congrats!!!!

[MyLittleWonders]

Okay, that 3-generation sterility is scary!!! : I've tried hemp protein powder; it was grainy, but I could do it if I have to. (Today I was good and had almond butter on GF toast with raw honey and shredded coconut.) I'd rather err on the side of caution (hence why I have yet to actually use soy as a protein source), but I also know that I could do with more protein in me. (Have I mentioned that protein is on the "don't look at me" list?! )

And thanks! To say this one was a surprise to dh and I would be a huge understatement.

[mom61508]

I know most protein powders are highly processed but there has to be some out on the market that aren't? I don't know maybe not but it's a thought.

[lil_miss_understood]

So, I've been thinking about this.
What about soaked raw sunflower seeds? If soaked overnight, they blend into a smooth emulsion.

[MyLittleWonders]

Originally Posted by JacquelineR

So, I've been thinking about this.
What about soaked raw sunflower seeds? If soaked overnight, they blend into a smooth emulsion.

Hmm ... that sounds like an idea.

[Koalamom]

Originally Posted by JacquelineR

So, I've been thinking about this.
What about soaked raw sunflower seeds? If soaked overnight, they blend into a smooth emulsion.

I do this in smoothies and rotate with soaked almonds. Also chia seeds have loads of omega 3's and brewers yeast in smoothies is amazing. one serving has 16 tablespoons.

[mykdsmomy]

I know you are WAY more knowledgeable about this stuff so forgive me if I sound like a nut, but what about smoked salmon? (obviously not in a smoothie )

Eggs?

could you get a protein powder to put in your smoothies that is gf/cf and soy free? (veg. protein?)

Sorry I'm not more help

[laurata]

Are you sure you're not getting enough protein? Have you tracked your dietary intake? Forgive me, I have no idea what your diet is like. I have to eat very frequently, so....

I'm GF and (nearly) vegan, and haven't had too much trouble. I do use soy milk though, usually 2 cups a day (no other soy at all). I try to rotate through different beans: black, pinto (or refried), garbonzo (or hummus), a variety of lentils, and yellow split peas top the list. A one cup serving of bean heavy veggie chili is about 15 grams of protein, and (personally) I have two or more servings (because I have eat eat 5 or 6 "meals" in a day). For snack, a serving of nuts or nut butter tends to have ~8g protein as well. For smoothies, you could add flax, hemp, or pumpkin seed powder. I've also heard of people adding white beans. Haven't tried it, but it's rumoured to add "creamy" without imparting a beany taste.

Good luck!

[MyLittleWonders]

Originally Posted by mykdsmomy

I know you are WAY more knowledgeable about this stuff so forgive me if I sound like a nut, but what about smoked salmon? (obviously not in a smoothie )

Eggs?

could you get a protein powder to put in your smoothies that is gf/cf and soy free? (veg. protein?)

Sorry I'm not more help

! My sweet dh is the one that loves smoked salmon. I don't think you could get me to touch it if I had to. There is a raw, vegan protein powder I used a while ago; I didn't get it at Vit. City, but I might look into ordering it.

Originally Posted by laurata

Are you sure you're not getting enough protein? Have you tracked your dietary intake? Forgive me, I have no idea what your diet is like. I have to eat very frequently, so....

I'm GF and (nearly) vegan, and haven't had too much trouble. I do use soy milk though, usually 2 cups a day (no other soy at all). I try to rotate through different beans: black, pinto (or refried), garbonzo (or hummus), a variety of lentils, and yellow split peas top the list. A one cup serving of bean heavy veggie chili is about 15 grams of protein, and (personally) I have two or more servings (because I have eat eat 5 or 6 "meals" in a day). For snack, a serving of nuts or nut butter tends to have ~8g protein as well. For smoothies, you could add flax, hemp, or pumpkin seed powder. I've also heard of people adding white beans. Haven't tried it, but it's rumoured to add "creamy" without imparting a beany taste.

Good luck!

Eh, I'm pretty much a carb junkie. I do much better when I'm not pregnant as I don't mind protein, it's just not what I tend to grab when I'm hungry unless I'm being mindful of what I'm doing. But, I also went CF (well, almost) a month or so ago when I finally realized the damage it was doing to my gut. So, I feel my range of protein (at least that I like) is much smaller now. Chili does sound good (spicy stuff or very flavorful stuff is good when pregnant ); but see, I can't do lentils even on good days. (Yea, I was an incredibly picky eater as a kid; I eat so much more now than I think my parents ever thought I would.) I do appreciate all the suggestions and ideas though as some things I just don't think about (like making some chili).

[rhesp1212]

Flax is a fair source of protein and is high in Omega 3's. You could add that to your smoothies. There is also an egg protein powder that you could put in your smoothie.

You said you eat alot of black beans, what about lentils? Lentils combined with brown rice make a complete protein. I like red lentils....very mild in flavor, but they break down to pretty much mush when you cook them. Yummy with olive oil and some salt on top of rice.

[dannic]

I am pregnant and gf/cf as well. I also am not an advocate of soy. I used soy in my 2nd pregnancy and felt it contributed to my thyroid problems and also some of dd's problems. I think if you used occasional fermented soy like miso (and organic at that) that it wouldn't be much of a problem, but these days, everything has gmo soy in it and it is worrisome to say the least...esp if you're having a boy (phyto estrogens).
So what about quiche, fritattas, crepes, adding a few egg-stra eggs to muffins, baked goods, ect? omelets?
chili beans, green chili burros/tacos, taco salad, ect (since you like spicy), chicken tacos or taquitos with guacamole...ok, I'm getting hungry!
With the same dd's pregnancy, I too didn't like protein, but found if someone ELSE made it, I didn't mind it--does that work for you?

Congrats on your little wonder!

[MyLittleWonders]

Originally Posted by rhesp1212

Flax is a fair source of protein and is high in Omega 3's. You could add that to your smoothies. There is also an egg protein powder that you could put in your smoothie.

You said you eat alot of black beans, what about lentils? Lentils combined with brown rice make a complete protein. I like red lentils....very mild in flavor, but they break down to pretty much mush when you cook them. Yummy with olive oil and some salt on top of rice.

I hadn't thought about flax. The extra omega 3's would be good too (since I have yet to restart fish oil - it was making me feel nasty the first couple months before I really knew what was going on (or was in denial ). But lentils ... hmm ... though I could do red lentils in pasta/pizza sauce. That would be good for us all. By themselves I have a hard time with the texture, but I do like that they mush all up when cooked. I might have to try that this week when I make pizza.

Originally Posted by dannic

I am pregnant and gf/cf as well. I also am not an advocate of soy. I used soy in my 2nd pregnancy and felt it contributed to my thyroid problems and also some of dd's problems. I think if you used occasional fermented soy like miso (and organic at that) that it wouldn't be much of a problem, but these days, everything has gmo soy in it and it is worrisome to say the least...esp if you're having a boy (phyto estrogens).
So what about quiche, fritattas, crepes, adding a few egg-stra eggs to muffins, baked goods, ect? omelets?
chili beans, green chili burros/tacos, taco salad, ect (since you like spicy), chicken tacos or taquitos with guacamole...ok, I'm getting hungry!
With the same dd's pregnancy, I too didn't like protein, but found if someone ELSE made it, I didn't mind it--does that work for you?

Congrats on your little wonder!

You are making me hungry too! Quiche actually sounds pretty good; my boys are a bit picky with something like that, but I think maybe quiche with ham, cheese, and broccoli would be a pretty good meal. And chili ... I've decided that I'm making some this weekend. The more people that mention it, the more I'm craving it.

You know, last night dh made rib eyes. When he bought them, he bought the smaller pack, thinking I wouldn't eat much of it at all. I ended up eating some (about the size of my palm), but it actually tasted good. I do think it helps being *served* protein rather than having to make it myself. And, if it is hidden with other things (for instance, we made baked ziti with ground beef and that was doable, so was the chicken salad I made the other day), it's easier to eat than just a big ol' chicken breast on my plate (especially if I had to make it!).

Congrat's to you as well!!!

[mykdsmomy]

taco salad? you could "hide" some beef or chicken in it...add lots of beans (do you like kidney beans?)

Asian chicken salad? (chicken, cabbage, sesame seeds, etc?)

I'm hungry now!! lol

[mom61508]

banana pancakes

1 banana or more to make really sweet.
3 eggs
1tbs vanilla
1/8 tsp of sea salt
Blend

I got this recipe from a thread somewhere but can't remember where. They're really good. You can make a bunch a refrigerate and they're surprisingly filling.

[lil_miss_understood]

What about quinoa, millet and buckwheat? Perhaps some blender pancakes with those grains are in order? Or wraps using them?
If you're not adverse to bean flours, you might also consider baked goods made using brown rice and bean flours for a complete protein? And of course, as dannic suggested, adding an extra egg to gluten free goods would be really great.

Or... how about some angel food cake? (I miss angel food cake. )

[MyLittleWonders]

Oh, angel food cake would taste SO good, even if I couldn't top it with whipped cream.

I've thought about adding buckwheat to our flour for some added punch. Maybe I'll try that next time we make pancakes (which I don't like making often because of the lack of protein).

Oh, and the banana pancakes sound so good! Do they actually cook up well without sticking to the pan? (We use cast iron.)

[lil_miss_understood]

Oooh! What about the bean cupcakes that are in the allergen-free recipe thread? And isn't there a black bean brownie in the Mothering recipes? (I know you're looking more for breakfast and meal ideas than dessert ideas but I just can't resist with eggs at your disposal! )
Adding nut butter to hot cereal?
And I just realized you still eat cheese... Mmm. *goes away to drool on herself*

[MyLittleWonders]

I just heard about black bean brownies. I need to look up that recipe. I'm assuming there is still chocolate in them, right?! I haven't tried nut butters in hot cereal but I have some cream of buckwheat cereal that I should try ... maybe a little almond butter and a little chopped dates and a little butter-butter. Hmm ... there are more possibilities than I thought!

And sorry about the cheese. I try not to do more than a couple times a week because I'm not sure it's totally okay for my gut, but it definitely does not seem to get to me like all other dairy does (except butter).

[FireWithin]

I also am not a big fan of protein while I'm pregnant. I'm just about 20 weeks now and I am still fighting it.
I've decided to focus on putting protein containing grains in my gf baking, and I'm trying to eat more beans.

I can't help much, just wanted to let you know that you are not alone.