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Protein: The Full-time Job You Never Asked For

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Are you a midlife woman?

Perimenopausal?

Using a GLP1?

Just trying to get your macros right to maintain your energy and weight?

Working to build muscle?

Looking out for your bone health?

Any one – or combo – of these things means you’re probably well aware of the overwhelming need to stack your protein throughout the day. And if you’re like me, meat is fine, but I don’t crave it. I lived through the skinny 90s when we ate fat free yogurt and dry chicken breasts with our iceberg lettuce, and I can’t choke down any of that, ever again. (Sadly, we’re seeing a resurgence of 90s style skinny obsession, and it’s scary.)

I’m definitely GenX, so I’m in the age group that is looking to stay strong, healthy, active, and independent as long as possible, and adding protein is a nutritional must, if I’m going to make that happen. I’m trying to stay at a healthy weight, not be skeletal, but even that is hard with the hormone changes that hit us hard at this age. I personally find this to be a daunting task.

With that in mind, I’ve curated a few protein items that meet my requirements, and that I actually enjoy consuming. I just cannot with protein stuff that I dread eating or drinking. Here you go, and I hope it helps you, too!

  1. Favorite protein powder -grass fed whey, really clean ingredients, comes in a bunch of delicious flavors, can be mixed into coffee (Pro Tip: I always blend mine with a little almond milk, using a frother, and then slowly add my coffee – this yields the smoothest protein coffee!).
A package of Clean Simple Eats Protein Powder in Coconut Cream flavor, featuring nutritional information and a serving suggestion in a glass with a creamy shake topped with coconut flakes.

2. Favorite collagen + hyaluronic acid blend -same clean ingredient brand as the protein powder, but mixes up thinner and more sippable than a shake, comes in several yummy flavors, has collagen, food based vitamin C and hyaluronic acid for hair/skin/nails and joints.

Collagen and beauty blend dietary supplement pouch featuring a strawberry colada flavor, with a sliced coconut and fresh strawberries in front.

3. Vegan, plant based protein that actually has both great flavors AND smooth texture!

A bag of Truvani Plant Based Organic Protein in chocolate flavor, featuring a black design with gold accents, indicating it contains 18 servings and 20g of protein per serving. The bag highlights its USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified certifications.

4. These crunchy edamame snacks come in great flavors, satisfy the crunchy/salty craving, and go on top of a salad beautifully. Their little single serve packets pop in your bag, easy peasy.

Variety pack of Crunchy Roasted Edamame snacks from The Only Bean featuring flavors like Wasabi Soy Sauce, Sriracha, Sea Salt, Buffalo, and Ranch. The display highlights 11g protein per serving and non-GMO verification.

5. Smoked fish in a portable tin makes for super easy, flavorful lunches. A longtime favorite of mine when I have to be away from home for long stretches but don’t want to succumb to fast food.

Packaging of Cole's seafood products featuring Patagonian Smoked Salmon Fillet with Vegetables, and Smoked Rainbow Trout Fillet with Quinoa, highlighting nutritional information including calories and protein content.

6. Snack mix with protein? Yuck? Not this one. I happily snack on this, feeling really sly as I fool my own self that it’s empty carbs. It’s got a hefty serving of fiber, too, but don’t tell anybody.

A package of Catalina Crunch Protein Snack Mix in cheddar flavor, featuring a colorful design with nutritional information highlighting 10g of protein, good source of fiber, and 2g of sugar.

7. Plant based protein bars that are YUMMY. Lots of flavors. Very satisfying.

Packaging of ALOHA Special Edition The Pa'akai Bar, featuring a 6-pack of organic protein bars. Each bar contains 14g of protein, 5g of sugar, and 10g of fiber, with a design highlighting plant-based and gluten-free attributes.

8. Protein (& fiber) pasta that nobody even knows is good for them. Yes, please. I make it all the time, and never say a word about its nutrition profile.

Three-pack of BRAMI Protein Pasta boxes featuring Curly Mac, Radiatori, and Penne varieties. Each box contains 12 oz, made with Italian wheat and lupini superbeans, boasting 21g of protein and 9g of fiber per serving.

9. Protein pop tarts!? Seriously, when I want something sweet AND I need protein these are the bee’s knees. Be sure to pop them in the microwave for 10-12 seconds, and they’re perfect.

An 8-pack of Legendary Foods Frosted Strawberry Protein Pastry featuring a nutritional label that highlights 22g of protein and less than 1g of sugar, with fresh strawberries included in the foreground.

10. Protein cereal with great flavors – eat on its own, on top of yogurt and berries, or straight outta the bag. A big favorite here.

A bag of Catalina Crunch Protein Cereal in Cinnamon Toast flavor, featuring a clear window showing the cereal pieces. The packaging highlights nutritional benefits including 11g of protein and an excellent source of fiber, with no sugar. The bag emphasizes it's great for snacking and includes visual elements like cinnamon sticks.

Hope this sparks some ideas for your protein journey!

As always, my silly self writes these posts, not AI. All links are indeed affiliate links, so I make a small commission – at zero cost to you – when you shop with me. Thank you for your support!

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