Vegetarian Protein

Vegetarian Protein questions and answers

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Q: Vegetarian Protein?
I have been finding meat no longer tastes good and that I am transitioning into a vegetarian diet. I know I need protein, but how to do I go about it? And to make matters interesting, I'm a highly picky eater, so I won't eat eggs, fish, or beans, I'm also a terrible cook, and can burn water. I've been trying tofu with no luck what so ever. What other foods are an option?

A: Nuts, (peanut butter etc) are good sources of protein. Also eat seitan (its wheat gluten fake meat) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seitan fake meat, quorn, boca, morningstar, tofurky, yves, are all brands of fake meat that are good, morningstar and boca are probably ones you can find at a regular grocery store. Or even use smart ground, a substitute for ground meat. heres some good tofu ideas http://www.fatfree.com/recipes/tofu/ Try breading a baking tofu or making a sauce for it.

Q: Vegetarian & Protein?
I am strongly considering converting to a vegetarian. I don't like tofu. What foods contain high amounts of protein other than tofu and of course meat? Thanks!

A: Yeah, I didn't used to like tofu either, but now I love it. Have you tried tempeh? A lot of people who don't like tofu like tempeh. For now, stick to beans, seitan, lentils, nuts, seeds, and quinoa. Beans are versatile and cheap. They also make great burgers. Seitan is wheat gluten--it's used a lot in Asian cooking to replace meat. But don't give up on tofu. Try it every now and then, like at a Chinese restaurant or something, and as your palate adapts to a plant-based diet, you might find you grow to enjoy it. Good luck. :-)

Q: What are a few good vegetarian protein combos?
I have read that eating one plant protein alone is sometimes not sufficient but mixing vegetable proteins is more effective. I'm working my way slowly into being a vegetarian, what are some food combinations I can use? I'm really into different beans and types of rice right now too.

A: The theory that you need "complete" proteins (like those found in meat) or need to combine different types of proteins in one meal has been disproved. This theory was based upon the assumption that your body needs all essential amino acids at once in order to build proteins. However, it has since been shown that your body is capable of storing amino acids between meals. As long as you consume a variety of protein sources you will be fine! Also, you should be aware that protein intake is not usually an issue for a vegetarian or vegan as long as they eat a varied diet. Beans, nuts, legumes, grains, tofu and more are all fantastic sources of protein! If you are worried about your protein intake I suggest you take a look at the following website. It lists common plant-based foods and their protein content: http://www.vegparadise.com/protein.html For more info on the myth of protein combining/complete proteins visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protein_combining http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0820/is_n211/ai_17010257 Hope this helped, and best of luck in your journey to vegetarianism :)

Q: What are some easy ways to get vegetarian protein?
I have been a vegetarian for almost two years now. I'm not getting enough protein in my diet. (I am a thirteen year old girl.) I have tried protein powders that supply enough protein, but they taste nasty. Protein shakes and snack bars are too expensive for me. What are some things I can do to add protein without eating meat?

A: Are you eating enough calories per day? If you eat three balanced, varied meals per day and healthy snacks you should have no problem getting plenty of protein. Most everything contains protein - but try hummus on a toasted whole wheat bagel, bean tacos, fortified cereal with soy milk (there is a Target brand of high protein cereal that is yummy), Cliff Nectar bars (the chocolate/walnut one tastes just like a brownie), trail mix with nuts and dried fruit, tempeh bacon sandwich on whole wheat....and on and on. Good luck!

Q: What is the best form of vegetarian protein to feed to a baby?
I am a new vegetarian and I have a 7 month old baby! Now is the time that I need to start thinking about introducing proteins into her diet. I don't know where to begin. I mean, I know beans are the best source for her, but how do I prepare them to make them easy for her to eat? What are other great sources of protein for her? She eats just about anything I feed her. Can someone please help me?

A: There are plenty of people that raise their children as vegetarians. It is quite healthy to raise a child as a vegetarian. You may want to check out http://www.veggieboards.com/boards/ It has useful info and people that may be able to help. You need to do a lot of research to be sure you are feeding your baby the right foods. I would check with a doctor, but also be aware that many of them do not know about vegetarian nutrition. Some really great books to read, and get a little advice would be: Disease-Proof Your Child: Feeding Kids Right by Joel Fuhrman New Vegetarian Baby by Sharon K. Yntema, Christine Beard

Q: How can a vegetarian get protein to build muscle?
I want to do some serious muscle building, but I am a vegetarian and a woman, so I don't exactly know what to eat to supplement my workout. I don't even eat fish. I can eat eggs, and is it better to eat the whole egg or just the white? I just need to know how to get a lot of protein on a college girl's budget. Thanks in advance!

A: If your eating a balanced vegetarian diet that includes: peas, beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains; you don't have to worry about protein. Unless your cholesterol is high eat the whole egg. Some veggie and even meat eating Athletes include protein drinks in their diet. You may want to speak to your coach about this. Organic Athlete - Vegan Athletes http://www.organicathlete.org/

Q: Are there any vegetarian-friendly protein drinks out there?
I've been a vegetarian for a while now, and last night, I told my parents. They flipped. They kept going on and on about protein, and we came to an agreement that if I drank protein drinks or shakes, they'd understand me being a vegetarian. Are there any vegetarian-friendly protein drinks out there?

A: I drink soy protein. It comes in a variety of flavors - chocolate, strawberry and vanilla. The brand I use is vegan friendly....so you know that it's good for vegetarians as well. It also contains no GMOs. I don't have the name of it off the top of my head, but I'll post it when I get home..... Not all protein drinks are created equally. Some of them are SO gross! I suggest you try some of the single-serving packets until you find the brand that you like. And then you can buy the huge containers. :-) But the one I drink is mighty tasty and I highly recommend it. I mix it with my soy or rice milk and it tastes like the Nesquick Strawberry milk. (yum) ::EDIT:: It's called Soytein and the company that makes it is Solaray. I misspoke when I said that it's vegan friendly - apparently it has bee pollen in it...but it's fine for vegetarians!

Q: How does a vegetarian get protein?
I'm 13 years old, and i'm a vegetarian. My mom keeps complaining that i'm not getting enough protein. Any help?

A: Eggs, dairy, beans, nuts, peas, seeds, and whole grains. Have you mom get you some Soy hot dogs and Boca Burgers (veggie burgers), they also make veggie (fake) chicken patties.

Q: What are some ways for a vegetarian to get protein?
I was just wondering how vegetarians get protein when they don't get meat. Are there are foods that contain protein? Would protein shakes be enough protein?

A: While just about every vegetarian food contains some protein, the soybean deserves special mention, for it contains all the essential amino acids and surpasses all other food plants in the amount of protein that it can deliver to the human system. In this regard, it is nearly equal to meat. The human body is able to digest 92 percent of the protein found in meat and 91 percent of that found in soybeans.7 The many different and delicious soy products (such as tempeh, soy "hot dogs" and "burgers," Tofutti brand "ice cream," soy milk, and tofu) available in health and grocery stores suggest that the soybean, in its many forms, can accommodate a wide range of tastes. Click for raw power protein superfood Raw protein sources Other rich sources of non-animal protein include legumes, nuts, seeds, yeast, and freshwater algae. Although food yeasts ("nutritional yeast" and "brewer’s yeast") do not lend themselves to forming the center of one's diet, they are extremely nutritious additions to most menus (in soups, gravies, breads, casseroles, and dips). Most yeasts get about 50 percent of their calories from protein.8 Here are some examples of vegetarian foods with high sources of plant protein: PROTEIN IN LEGUMES: Garbanzo beans, Kidney beans, Lentils, Lima beans, Navy beans, Soybeans, Split peas PROTEIN IN GRAINS: Barley, Brown rice, Buckwheat, Millet, Oatmeal, Rye, Wheat germ, Wheat, hard red, Wild rice VEGETABLE PROTEIN: Artichokes, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Green peas, Green pepper, Kale, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Mustard green, Onions, Potatoes, Spinach, Tomatoes, Turnip greens, Watercress, Yams, Zucchini PROTEIN IN FRUITS: Apple, Banana, Cantaloupe, Grape, Grapefruit, Honeydew melon, Orange, Papaya, Peach, Pear, Pineapple, Strawberry, Tangerine, Watermelon

Q: What are your favorite sources of vegetarian protein?
Snacks? Meals? Etc.... Serious Vegetarian responses only please.

A: Snacks: Dry roasted Cashewnuts, Peanuts etc Meals: Typical Indian meals with rice, lentil soup , vegetables and plain yogurt and paneer (Indian cottage cheese) Once in a while: Amy's bean enchilada, cheese enchilada, mac & cheese, Amy's burritos etc Ice cream: Tofutti chocolate & vanilla 'Marry me' bars Other sources: Cottage cheese(Hood's/Cabot), Tofu, Variety of lentils/beans, homemade sprouted lentils, Milk, Soy nuggets etc etc

Q: Which is a cheaper Diet? Vegetarian or Protein Rich?
And I mean good Vegetarian like organic stuff, good foods. Not "I just eat frenchfries for lunch" or any of the other poser crap. Good quality healthy Vegetarian meals. Cost wise how do they compare to a protein rich diet with alot of meats, cheeses, eggs and fiberous veggies?

A: It depends on places. In some villages meats may be quite cheap, while in villages along riverbanks and seashores fish are really cheap. Otherwise, towns & cities have chicken meat cheaper than 'organic' veg. items. Also, if you select a season-dependent item like 'organic' green peas, they will be very costly at some time of the year (far higher than chicken) Generally, better fish like white pomfret and big river shrimp cost terribly high (up to Rs. 300-500 a kilo). And we all know that ordinary veg. items are comparitively very cheap (usually between Rs. 10 to 80 a kilo in Baroda.)

Q: what can a vegetarian do for protein?
I am a vegetarian; I need alot of protein because i want to lose weight. I do not eat eggs;fish;any meat; or tofu. How can i get protein?

A: First, protein is everywhere. Second, we need amino acids, not protein. Third, every living thing is made of protein. Fourth, you do not need a lot of protein, no human does. Fifth, protein won’t help you lose weight. Sixth, even bodybuilders don’t need more protein. Seventh, do exercise to lose fat and eat more. Eighth, excess protein goes down the toilet, vitamins and minerals with it which were needed to break it down. Lastly, read this for list of protein and amino acid sources: http://www.bestbread.ca/QUICK_-_REFERENCE_NUTRITION_CHART.pdf

Q: Can anyone recommend a good Vegetarian Protein Powder for a Runner that logs in 40 miles per week?
I'm looking for a good vegan (preferably Non-Soy) protein powder. Any suggestions?

A: Hemp Hearts is where it's at. Take 5 tbsp a day, it will seem like a lot at first, and you might want to work your way up to the 5tbsp... but it is sooooo high in protein, and essential fatty acids. They are great for your needs. Here are some of the benefits of Hemp Hearts. "More required amino acids (proteins) than milk, meat or eggs. A complete protein source – more balanced and digestible than Soy. Contains about 47% oil, 78% of which is Omega or Essential Fats. Contains all the Essential or Omega Fats required for human health. Contains several times more Omega 3 Essential Fats than any fish. More energy than energy bars but with no sugar and less saturated fat. Suitable for those unable to eat Gluten, Sugar, Milk, Nuts and Meat. Perfect for those with constipation and those avoiding carbohydrates." A 42 gram (4 heaping tablespoons) serving of Hemp HeartsTM contains 240 calorie energy from: 15 g. protein 15 g. polyunsaturated fats (11.4 g. omega 6 and 3.6 g. omega 3) 2.7 g. mono-unsaturated fats 2.1 g. of saturated fats 2.5 g. fiber 4.5 g. carbohydrates 2 mg. iron 31 mg. calcium 3.8 mg. sodium 3.8 mg. vitamin E 956 IU vitamin D .42 mg. vitamin C .05mg. vitamin B6 .14mg. vitamin B2 .58 mg. vitamin B1 1.68 IU of vitamin A I am a raw vegan, and I consume about 3tbsp of Hemp Hearts a day. I feel great, and my digestion has never been better!!! Good luck on your next run... I hope the Hemp has a positive impact on your time.

Q: What are some other vegetarian protein options besides soy and cottage cheese?


A: Broccoli, Artichokes, Almonds, Watermelons, Mushrooms, and Lima Beans

Q: Should a vegetarian take protein powder?
I know a lot of people under estimate the amount of protein most vegetarians actually get in their diet but still, I was wondering since I've been one since I was 9 and I'm 17 now if I should be eating some? Does it have animal fat or anything in it? I'm trying to lose about 20 pounds.

A: if I use a protein powder I use the brown rice protein. fruits and vegetables have amino acids in them - which is what proteins break down into - they are more easily digested. chances are you are getting enough protein already.