To be a healthy vegetarian do you need any specific foods that cover the necessary proteins in meat?

Question

Is there any in meat that the body needs?

Answer 1

Don't believe the "meat hype". Our bodies don't really need any meat. There is the B12 issue...granted, that is only found in meat, but our bodies really do not need that much of it. As a matter of fact, studies have shown that vegetarians' bodies start producing it themselves after a while, so I wouldn't worry too much about that.
The Standard American Diet actually contains TOO MUCH protein. Going veg will not deplete you of that. Just make sure you are eating a lot of different foods - beans, legumes, fruit and vegetables. If you consume a good variety, you'll be just fine.

Answer 2

Beans, beans, beans, beans.

I know a lot of people think that beans are the epitome of yuck, invariably cause gas, and can only be used in mexican food.

Not so!

* Well-salted and spiced beans are quite tasty and there are many varieties (tried black beans lately?).

* Improperly refried beans cause gas, but then anything with lots of fiber (vegetables) will cause some gas. To Fart is to be Human.

* Bean-based cuisine is used extensively in Africa, Cuba, and many European soups and stews. Be adventurous with this totally Vegan food!

Other foods that are vegetarian (but not vegan) and high in protein are :

* Eggs
* Nuts
* Milk
* Cheese
* Tofu
* Fish, if you've decided to allow seafood into your diet.

Good luck and explore your options!

(Note: Vitamin D is a VITAMIN-- not a protein.)

Answer 3

First of all, you should understand that the body doesn't absorb "proteins", be they animal or plant. It only absorbs amino acids and makes its own proteins, and the above answers explain that bit quite well.

Answer 4

eggs and fish, provide proteins... if you're a "lacto vegetarian"... that you won't get, by not eating beef or "red" meats...

if you're "strictly vegan"... dark green vegetables (like spinach or broccoli), legumes (beans, split peas), raw nuts (peanuts, almonds, cashews, or peanut butter), and, rasins or dried fruits... to get a good mix of vitamins and minerals

Answer 5

vitamin D ( also found in eggs)
Vitamin B12

Answer 6

Not at all.