Where can I get protein from besides meat? (And other nutrients meat provides)?

Question

I am not a vegetarian, but lately I have been craving vegetables over meat. RIght now I feel like it's a healthier choice for me, plus I am a broke college student, so buying lots of meat is not always an option. I don't like soy, which I know is an option. Does anyone have any other ideas?

I understand that there are plently of foods with protein, but I didn't know which ones. Most vegetarians I have known are not healthy vegetarians, they will eat thanksgiving dinner just without the turkey for example. I wanted to make sure if I was going to pursue this diet that I was getting what my body needs, not just not eating meat.

Answer 1

I know you say you dont like soy but...Soy is high in protein and you can often find it in an "enriched form" similar to how manufactures add vitamins to cereal and bread. Soy itself does not have much taste.... try looking at the library for cook books to give you recipes.... soy takes on the taste of the things it is cooked with and there are some great soups that you could make with vegetable and satisfy both your craving and your need for protein (besides most soups are one pot dishes so less to clean up - I remember college!).

beans and legumes are high in protein--- these could be cooked in a crock pot with vegetables and served with rice to make a complete meal (beans or legumes alone do not meet daily nutritional guidelines).

Of course there is peanut butter - (Im not a fan) of more tasty nutbutter such as hazelnut.

Listen to your body - if it is wanting vegetables there is a reason for it. Just remember that just because the market sells them as "fresh" you dont know how long ago produce was picked and the longer it sits there the more nutrients it looses.... frozen veggies (esp flash frozen) generally have higher nutritional value (unless you know for sure that the produce is newly picked like a Upick or Farmers market that dates the produce)... canned veggies usually have preservatives and higher levels of salt. not necessarily unhealthy - but not totally the healthiest way to go.

I know money is tight - but you may need a multivitamin. Body cravings are usually your body's way of signaling that something is outof balance. You could also check at your school to see if they offer nutritional counseling for students..... I know mine did at no cost.

Good luck and good eating :)

Answer 2

I don't eat soy except for in my protein smoothie which tastes great.
Go to GeniSoy and get some of the Vanilla Soy Milkshake protein powder. It's about $13 for a can. Use this recipe in a blender:

8 oz. Stoneyfield vanilla (organic) yogurt
1/3 cup of your favorite berries (semi-thawed)
splash of cranberry or OJ
1 scoop GeniSoy Vanilla milkshake protein mix
1 small banana
2 ice cubes
Blend well and serve. It will make 2 regular smoothies or one very large one.

Also, check some of my answers further back bc I have a good confetti bean salad you can make (garbanzo beans & black beans, etc.).

Answer 3

You can get plenty of protein from eggs. Also lentils (beans) have protein, as well as peanut butter. If you don't like any of those things, you can supplement you daily protein intake with a protein shake such as Boost. Being a vegetarian is great, but make sure you are still supplementing those important food groups such as protein and carbohydrates which are necessary for your body functions.

Answer 4

Everything has protein. Check out the Vegetarian food Pyramid online.

Answer 5

Firstly I want to point out to you and most other people who read these questions. I've noticed there is a question or two daily in the vegetarian section about protein.

THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF PROTEIN IN ANY VEGETARIAN, VEGAN OR WESTERN DIET.

So stop asking where or if you get enough protein. Excess Protein is a HEALTH HAZARD and it should be consumed in moderation.

Answer 6

Try soy milk. they have different flavors. Maybe you might like one of them.

Take 1 Centrum per day.

Eat everything else except meat. they are all good for you.

Answer 7

Nuts, beans like lentils, kindey ,navy etc. Or they make Hi protein energy drinks too!

Answer 8

You can ge protein from nuts, seeds, grains and pulses.

Answer 9

fish sqash soy chicken nuggets made ehit soy

Answer 10

peas and lentils have MORE protein than meat