This post is brought to you by a STSL sponsor!

I don’t know about you guys, but I’m definitely someone who can eat basically all day, at any time. My hunger starts from the moment I wake up (I’m not one of those people who don’t get hungry for breakfast…you crazy people, you) and I could be eating until the time I go to bed. Which is when I’m usually eating ice cream, of course.

I’ll admit that there are many times throughout the day where I find myself eating out of boredom (then again, who am I kidding…I can’t remember the last time I had the opportunity to feel “bored” – there’s always something going on!), but I’d also noticed recently that I was finding myself feeling hungry a lot more than usual.

After thinking about it some more, I realized that there were a few factors driving my added hunger these days…

The most obvious one is the fact that I’m still breastfeeding and pumping with Alex.

Breastfeeding hunger is absolutely a real thing, my friends, and I’m sure any of you who have been through it or are currently doing it can relate.

Side note: Is cleaning bottles and pumping parts one of the worst jobs ever, or what?!

I also finally put two and two together when I realized that I found myself getting much more hungry after lifting weights with a workout. Weight lifting/resistance training keeps you burning calories long after the workout is over (as opposed to aerobic activity which keeps you burning calories in the moment), so I realized that was also contributing to my added hunger on some days, and I wasn’t always properly refueling after a workout either.

On top of all that, I really took a good look at my food choices and what I tend to eat throughout the day. Most days, I’m trying to grab something quick, which is especially true on the days I work from home (go figure?).

The foods I go to that are quick are often mostly carbohydrates or sugar and I realized that one area I was really lacking was protein.

Hello, you beautiful blueberry cake munchkin.

There really are a TON of amazing sources of protein that I truly do love but, sadly, I just don’t tend to grab for them as often. And I know that when my protein is in check, it gives me the control to make the right food choices all day. But (like almost 2/3 of Americans) I tend to get the majority of my protein at dinner, when I really should be aiming to eat more of it throughout the day to try to avoid the extra hungry feelings.

So this is one of the reasons that I’m really excited about taking the 30 Day Protein Challenge!

What is the 30 Day Protein Challenge?

The 30 Day Protein Challenge (developed by The Beef Checkoff!) is a fun, step-by-step 30-day plan to help you get a balanced amount of protein at each meal. You keep track of your food, hunger and moods to see how simple diet changes can make a difference in your overall health and wellness for 30 days and beyond.

Why Should I Join the 30 Day Protein Challenge?

Because it will be fun! When you join, you’ll receive goals, tips, and inspiration to keep you on track, and you can even share your progress and engage with other Protein Challenge participants on social media using #ProteinChallenge.

How can I join the 30 Day Protein Challenge?

Easy! Click here to join the Protein Challenge!

And here are some other helpful tools and resources for you, too:

• 30 Day Protein Challenge Calendar
• Stock Your Protein Pantry Cheat Sheet
• Meal Ideas with Protein
• Food Journal
• Tips for Dining Out
• Easy Ways to Add Protein

Throughout the challenge, I’ll be doing some smaller check-ins each week in my Weekly Meal Planning posts, and I’ll be sharing a final recap once the challenge is over to see how I feel after the 30 days are up.

This week, I’m really looking forward to trying this Farmer’s Market Vegetable, Beef, and Brown Rice Salad recipe!

Mark Your Calendars: It’s A Twitter Party!

Did you know that most Americans consume almost all of their daily protein at dinner alone? Research suggests it is more beneficial to spread out your protein intake throughout the day to help avoid getting hungry in between meals. Also, diets that incorporate high-quality protein – including beef – throughout the day can help you maintain a healthy weight, build strong, lean bodies and help energy levels!

Need help learning how you can add protein to your meals for a better balanced diet?

Join us for a Twitter party on Thursday, October 20 at 1 p.m. ET using #ProteinChallenge. We’ll be talking about tips and inspiration for quick and easy protein-rich meals and snacks. We’ll also be discussing The Beef Checkoff’s Protein Challenge, which is a fun, step-by- step 30-day plan to help get a balanced amount of protein at each meal.

Throughout the chat, we’ll be asking trivia questions and giving away prizes to five lucky winners! Prizes include a $50 Visa gift card. Must RSVP for a chance to win. CLICK HERE TO RSVP!

Disclosure: This post is brought to you by The Beef Checkoff and The Motherhood. All opinions are my own.