Does anyone know how to do a vegetarian low-carb, high-protein diet?

Question

I found some great high-protein meat-replacements, like Yve's, Boca, and Morning Star. I've been thinking about using tofu and tempe too. Does anyone else have any other ideas, suggestions, etc? Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi, it's difficult to do low carb on a veggie diet but it isn't impossible. My advice would be to cut down on rice, pasta etc and up your intake of beans, chickpeas, lentils, tofu and other protein alternatives. Beans and lentils contain carbs as well as protein so bear in mind you won't be cutting carbs out totally. If you eat dairy products and eggs these will also provide good protein, so you could have a cheese or egg salad for lunch. It would also be good for you to use a lot of oils, such as coconut and olive, in your food, as you will need fats to replace the carbs that you have cut down on. On the meat eating Atkins diet fats are used as an energy source instead of carbs, so similarly on a veggie diet you should uptake your level of fats to provide your energy. Sorry I don't have more advice, but good luck.

Answer 2

Starby78 gave some great advice. I would only add that I think the frozen meats are high in sodium so you need to watch that. I would choose cleaner sources of protein for most of your intake. Like egg whites, cottage cheese, a good protein powder...I like lean dessert flavor fresh cinnamon roll. Buy some all natural peanut butter.....I love cashew butter, tastes great and has the good fats you need and the protein too. Almonds are a great source of good fats and protein. High fiber cereal like fiberone is great and has protein. I dont know if you eat shrimp but that is a good source of protein. Low carb shouldnt mean no carb. You have to have carbs for energy and to help the protein digest. So eat a small carb with your protein. The carbs you should be eating is brown rice, whole wheat couscous or quinoa, fresh yams or sweet pototoes and slow cooked (not instant) oatmeal.

Answer 3

my suggestion: protein shakes! i use soy or whey protein, blend it up with frozen fruits and other nutrient-rich ingredients. it's difficult to cut carbs while you're going veggie because often we use grains+legumes to account for complete proteins. but try incorporating more soy into everything you eat... and don't neglect other forms of soy products like soy cheese, soy milk, and soy flour. Yes these often contain carbs, but I'd say it's nearly impossible (and not incredibly smart) to go completely carbless, vegetarian or not.

Answer 4

A really good lean fillet of tenderloin beef steak always works for me.
There isn't any fruit, vegetable, or legume that provides the protein and amino acids that it provides.