For Amber Clemens, it’s protein all the whey.
The Wisconsin weight loss coach — who says she shed 160 pounds from 2018 to 2020 and kept it off — is revealing the 11 foods that made her journey easier.
She credits chopped salad kits, ready-to-eat protein, Greek yogurt, meat sticks, protein shakes, protein bars, protein-packed microwaveable meals, portable protein packs, breakfast cups, protein waffles, and frozen Greek yogurt bars with helping her through the “most difficult, fulfilling, rewarding and meaningful chapter of my life.”
“I love chopped salad kits — they’re so easy, you can make them for multiple meals, and they come in a bunch of different flavors,” Clemens, 33, shared in a TikTok this week that’s gathered 70,000 views.
“Pair that with No. 2, which is any kind of ready-to-eat protein,” she continued. “I really like these grilled chicken strips from Tyson, but today I have some from Costco — you can find them anywhere, and they make adding protein into your days so much easier.”
The Recommended Dietary Allowance is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight — or 0.36 grams per pound. For a 150-pound person, that’s 54 grams of protein daily.
Clemens — who boasts more than 870,400 TikTok followers — also enjoys Light + Fit Nonfat Greek Yogurt and Oikos Triple Zero High Protein Nonfat Greek Yogurt.
“They come in every flavor you can imagine and are easy, quick sources of protein,” the Green Bay resident gushed. “For snacks, breakfast, you name it, desserts, they’re really great.”
A 2016 review of research on the weight-related benefits of yogurt found greater consumption was associated with a lower risk of being overweight or obese, though the study authors warned that there were several limitations to their analysis.
Clemens’ go-tos also include Chomps beef sticks, Fairlife Core Power protein shakes, and Dive Bars.
Surprisingly, microwave meals are heating up Clemens’ list as well, considering consuming ultra-processed foods have been shown to increase the risk of weight gain.
“Listen, microwave meals have come a very long way — this Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Cheese from Lean Cuisine is so good, and it has 18 grams of protein,” Clemens explained.
“You could also add in some of that grilled chicken from earlier to bump up the protein,” she added. “I also really like these Healthy Choice bowls — this has 33 grams of protein.”
Rounding out Clemens’ faves are P3 portable protein packs, Jimmy Dean Simple Scrambles, Kodiak Power Waffles, and Yasso Birthday Cake Bars.
“My all-time favorite weight-loss-friendly dessert,” she declared of the frozen Greek yogurt bars.
In the comments section of the 91-second clip, TikTokers shared their own takes on Clemens’ picks.
“I’m obsessed with chopped salad kits! and tuna packets,” one person exclaimed.
“Saw this literally while I was adding ready southwestern seasoned chicken strips into the Vermont cheddar lean cuisine,” another dished.
“I got an Elote chopped salad kit and ready made chili lime chicken from TJ’s, and it was SO GOOD!” a third emphasized.
