I lost 100+ pounds with a GLP-1. Here’s how protein-maxxing helps

I've lost more than 100 pounds over the past few years with the help of a GLP-1 medication, and while the medication has certainly played a role, so has making some pretty significant changes to the way I eat. One of the biggest? Prioritizing protein. Or, as the kids would say, protein-maxxing. But,

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I've lost more than 100 pounds over the past few years with the help of a GLP-1 medication, and while the medication has certainly played a role, so has making some pretty significant changes to the way I eat. One of the biggest? Prioritizing protein. Or, as the kids would say, protein-maxxing.

From protein-packed mac and cheese to cereal, pretzels and even donuts, these finds from The Vitamin Shoppe make adding more protein to your day a little easier.

But, here's the thing. I love food. Who doesn't? I'm not interested in giving up pasta, rice, snacks or the occasional sweet treat just to hit my daily protein goals. Instead, I've gotten pretty good at finding higher-protein alternatives to foods I already enjoy. Sometimes that means swapping traditional pasta for a protein-packed version, and other times it's finding a snack that satisfies a craving while sneaking in a few extra grams of protein.

That's

one of the reasons why I love browsing The Vitamin Shoppe. The health retailer has expanded its selection of better-for-you foods, offering everything from protein-packed mac and cheese to crunchy pretzels, cereal and even donuts.

Hit your protein goals at The Vitamin Shoppe

Whether you're working toward your own nutrition goals or just looking for a few easy swaps ahead of the holiday season, these finds making it a little easier to prioritize protein without giving up the foods you love.

Protein-maxxing? Find better-for-you swaps for your favorite foods at The Vitamin Shoppe

High Protein Cereal - Lucky Charms

Turn breakfast into a protein-packed treat with this GHOST cereal, delivering 17 grams of protein per serving with the nostalgic Lucky Charms flavor you know and love.

Buy now at The Vitamin Shoppe

Mac & Cheese Protein Pasta - Classic Cheddar

Give comfort food a protein-packed upgrade with this classic cheddar mac and cheese made from lupini beans, delivering 60 grams of protein per box with fewer carbs and plenty of fiber.

Shop now at The Vitamin Shoppe

Protein Pretzels - Cheddar

Power up snack time with these crunchy cheddar pretzels, packing 28 grams of protein per bag for a satisfying grab-and-go option before the gym, at work or between meals.

Buy now at The Vitamin Shoppe

Original Protein Rice

Give your favorite rice dishes a protein-packed upgrade with this lupini bean-based alternative, delivering 80 grams of protein per box with fewer carbs and plenty of fiber.

Buy now at The Vitamin Shoppe

Protein Donuts - Pink Sprinkle (12 Donuts)

Skip the same old protein bar with these pink sprinkle donuts, packing 12 grams of protein each and tasting even better after a quick 10-second warmup in the microwave.

Buy now at The Vitamin Shoppe

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: I lost 100+ pounds with a GLP-1. Here’s how protein-maxxing helps

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