protein for vegetarians?

Question

I have been a vegetarian for a little while now and I was wondering how I get more protein in my diet without eating meat.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. :)

Answer 1

These foods are rich in protein:

Almonds, black beans, brown rice, cashews, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), kidney beans, lentils, lima beans, peanut butter, pinto beans, seitan, soybeans, soymilk, sunflower seeds, textured vegetable protein (TVP), tofu, vegetarian hot dogs and burgers

Answer 2

If you're eating a varied diet and consuming enough calories, you're likely getting plenty of protein. Most Westerners get far more than they need. There are plenty of vegetarian sources: eggs and dairy (if you're still eating them,) whole grains, nuts, seeds, all varieties of legumes (including soybeans and soy products, beans, peas, lentils, peanuts and peanut butter, chickpeas,) even green veggies have protein in them. The old philosophy about combining vegetarian protein sources to complete the amino acid profile has been set aside, even by Frances Moore Lappe who popularized the idea in her book "Diet for a Small Planet." It's been determined that if you are getting your protein from a variety of sources, whether it's at the same meal or not, your body will combine them and give you a complete protein. Quinoa is a great source for vegetarians because it IS a complete protein, and is also an excellent source of calcium and iron as well.

Answer 3

Soy proteins are your best source. There are many soy protein powders available - from Wal-Mart to Robecks. Some are flavored and meant to be drank like a milk shake, and others are fairly flavorless and can be added to things you might already eat (such as smoothies etc)

Most Kashi products have lots of protein too. The "crunchy" bars are really tasty, and pack a good protein punch. Plus they have lots of whole grains, which are good for you as well.

Answer 4

Vegetarian proteins are all incomplete and need to be paired. A classic example of this would be rice and beans. By eating grains with legumes you are getting a compleate protein. Anything soy has a good amount of amino acids (the components of protein) but still not complete. Avocados are also a great protein choice.

If you are still eating eggs and dairy, you can get complete protein from them.

Answer 5

try hemp protein. It contains all 20 known amino acids including 10 essential amino acids and omega 3 & 6. And its raw, not processed so its alot easier to digest than soy and other protein supplements. Just mix some in your breakfast drink.

Answer 6

Tofu! It has lots of protein - here's some info:
http://vegetarian.about.com/od/healthnutrition/p/tofunutrition.htm

I like peanut butter a lot too. Here's a great way to add protein to a pasta dish:
http://vegetarian.about.com/od/saucesdipsspreads/r/ThaiPeanutSauce.htm

Beans, lentils, whole grains, any kind of nut, other soy products and mock meats, veggie burgers.

Chances are you probably get plenty of protein already. What makes you think you need more?

Answer 7

Eggs, Nuts, soy, beans, peanut butter, sesame seed paste (used in falafels ...DELICIOUS!!). You dont need THAT much protein in a day. Most people think you need a lot but there are guidelines to follow. If you get too much it turns into fat. I am sure you could probably find that information on the internet if you typed in, "how much protein does one person need each day?' in your search engine.

Answer 8

Soy, beans, nuts, seitan (wheat gluten), quinoa, a good variety of foods.

Answer 9

Legumes - lots of legumes - they are versatile and chock full of protein.