Vegetarian protein sources?

Question

Hello.
I'm a fifteen and I've been a vegetarian for six months now.
I'm afraid I don't get the daily amount of protein I should.

Does anybody know any good fake meat brands and items?
I've had Original Boca Burgers--they were okay.
Any other REALLY good fake meats?

I've heard Melissa brand fake meats are good.

Answer 1

i suggest that u buy a good veggie good book that explains all the nutrients that you will need, what foods give you these nutrients,how best to cook them to preserve them. so when you come across people who do not like or understand why u are a veggie and try to feed u false facts about protein iron sources etc. you will be armed with the correct facts. which book to buy go to a good book shop and ask or a good veggie restaurant they will help you. good luck and do not give up.

Answer 2

Protein sources? Wow, SO many times this question has been asked. The answer never changes: proteins are the building blocks of life; every living thing contains protein (at least on this planet).

Daily amount of protein needed is very low. 4% is enough. People these days are eating up to 10% or more and paying the price for it with ailments such as osteoporosis. Basically, if you eat food, you cannot avoid protein, so don’t worry about it.

But remember, humans make their own protein from amino acids. If whole proteins are eaten, then we need to first break them down into amino acids to be utilized by the body. This process of breaking down protein utilizes energy and nutrients, this is why eating too much protein will result in a depletion of these nutrients which include calcium, zinc, and others (that’s where osteoporosis comes into play). So, think amino acids, not protein.
Fake meats are not the answer.

Answer 3

You dont need fake meat to get protein. If you still use eggs and dairy products, those are great sources. Whole grain products like whole grain bread, whole wheat pasta, quinoa are also fantastic. Beans and nuts are loaded with protein too. Actually, everything has protein in it..even veggies.

For eample, the other day I had A PB&J sandwich on whole grain bread. Each slice of bread had 5 grams of protein and the peanut butter had 6 grams. Thats 16 grams right there! I always have a glass of fat free organic milk with Pb & J and that was 9 grams of protein. My lunch therefore contained 25 grams of protein...already more then half of my daily needs.

Answer 4

You shouldn't rely on fake meats as your only source of protein. They're ok once in a while, but they are processed and therefore not that healthy for you. It's better to concentrate on getting your protein from lentils, beans, nuts and seeds and natural soya products such as tofu and tempeh. Combine these with grains such as rice, pasta, millet, bread, quinoa. You can also buy natural soya mince from health shops, which you can use in ordinary recipes like spaghetti bolognaise and shepherds pie. It seems daunting at first but it really isn't when you get the hang of it. I have a yeast and soya allergies and I can't tolerate any procressed food at all, and I'm a vegan! I manage by eating wholefoods like lots of lentils and beans in soups, casseroles, currys. I snack on pumpkin and sunflower seeds during the day, and use ground nuts on cereal and risottos. It's easy! Just don't get roped into using processed meats all the time - they really aren't a healthy food.
Good luck!

Answer 5

Star is right. Don't use processed fake meats too often.

America is obsessed with protein to the point of causing ourselves a lot of illness. Most people eat 4 to 5 times their required protein intake a day.

We don't store protein. So the overindulgence is just flushed right out. Too much protein is taxing to the kidneys. Animal protein, that includes milk and cheese, causes our bones to excrete calcium to digest it. Leading to osteoporosis.

I'm between 115 and 120 pounds of solid athlete. I only need about 44 grams of protein a day. That's around 2.5 ounces. I don't drive. I bike, walk, bus and train everywhere. Usually carrying all my stuff. I'm healthy as an ox. People always ask me where I get all my energy from. Not from eating too much protein as all those silly add say. Energy comes from good carbs.

Answer 6

To get enough protein, make sure you have plenty of beans and nuts.
And Morningstar has the most wonderful fake meat items! I'm serious, it's so delicious and it's completely vegetarian! I was so surprised it was all 100% vegetarian because it tasted exactly like meat! And I don't mean sorta, I mean exactly! Man, everyone should eat Morningstar products and be vegetarian!

Answer 7

proteins doesn't have to come from meat. it can come from soy, beans, tofu, stuff like that. also, if you're thinking about fake meat, check out your local whole foods store or trader joes or something and ask about the vegetarian 'meat'. being from an asian family, there's a few selections of fake chicken meat and fake pork. but in the end, it all depends on how you cook it to satisfy your craving and your taste.

Answer 8

TVP - texturized vegetable protein. Comes dry and sorta looks like dry dog food, however.. soak it and cook in hot water.. not a lot of water. Cook it like it's oatmeal and add more water if it gets too thick. You can use it as the basis for chili or "meatless meat sauce". Anything that you would use browned ground beef in a meat recipe just about.

I would put seasonings, beans and make burritos with it. It was amazing how much it was like using ground beef and tasted great.

Answer 9

some of the BEST fake meats i have had are garden burger products. they have "chicken" nuggets,supper yummy. tofu from trader joes is yummy, and that gives you a good ammount of protein. and if you live in california there is a place called mothers store and kitchen. yummiest vegan/veggie food EVER and it has this iron supplment you put in orange jucie and you can taste it and that helps you keep your iron up and keeps you from getting tired. theres a mothers in huntington beach and costa mesa. so yeah just helping out another veggie.

Answer 10

I like morningstar farms (frozen foods) fake bacon, fake sausage, chik patties...and Gardenburgers. Protein comes from all foods...oatmeal is high, buckwheat pancakes (TJs country place has them) are high, soy milk, tofu, bean burritos (watch for lard ), beans in general, whole grain bread...