Am I getting enough protein?

Question

Am I getting enough protein~?
I am thinking of turning vegetarian, and the websites say to combine certain foods to get adequate protein. My bodybuild requires 70 grams of protein, milk contains 3.3 grams of protein per 100 mililitres ( 3.4 fl.oz ), would I be getting enough protein by drinking 2.1 litres of milk per day (71.4 fluid ounces), I am only using this as an example, I wouldn't really live off milk, yoghurts are also high in protein, as are some cereals, rice, tofu, beans, and eggs. I am just curious if you can simply add up the protein values on the box and see how much protein that I am taking in, or do I have to eat certain foods in order for the protein to take effect.
Thanks in advance to everyone who takes their time to answer this ~~~

Answer 1

Are you 212 lbs? In my nutrition class and other things that I've read, you only need .33 grams protein per pound. However if you're working out a lot and you want to gain more muscle mass, then you need .45 grams of protein per pound. But normally, only .33 grams/lb. A lot of people think that they need MUCH more than that, but you really don't. In fact, Americans get TOO much protein. Protein has a lot of calories - more than carbohydrates - and it too can turn into fat and excess body weight. Also, eating too much protein (over 30 grams) per meal can cause gastro-intestinal pains in the tummy and gas.

I'm vegan and I get too much protein. I generally get 80 grams of protein a day or more, and I only need about 50 grams.

Don't drink milk! Drink soy milk. I've stopped drinking milk since it actually decreases your calcium absorption and other stuff and if you're thinking of going veg for animal rights reasons, you should also stop drinking milk since milk consumption just contributes to the beef and veal industry. Soy milk has as much protein (sometimes more) as cow milk, and it has just as much calcium (but is better absorbed by the body) and it also has a bunch of other vitamins (B12, D, etc.) and iron. Soy yogurt tastes good too.

Where do I get my protein? All over the place. It's not JUST soy products and beans. Regular veggies have protein too. Corn for example has 3 grams of protein per serving (a serving of corn isn't that much.. like a tiny little scoop) and there's tons of protein in pastas, whole wheat (and glutenous) breads, and there's some in rice. Check whole wheat pasta! I was so surprised to see HOW MUCH protein there is in one serving of pasta! The kinds that I have looked at, there have been about 7 grams per serving.. and well.. I sorta eat a lot, so I usually have like 2-3 servings of pasta! (one serving of pasta isn't that much either)

So... if you just have regular ol pasta with maranara sauce, and you eat a pretty good amount, that's like 15 grams of protein right there.

Then if you decide to add some soy meat (I use tofurky italian sausage) then that's like 17 grams more of protein.

Tons!!!

I wouldn't worry about the protein.

In fact most vegetarians (like 99%) get more than enough protein. I don't know any vegetarian or vegan who has a problem with getting enough of it. There's protein in just about any kinda food.

Oh also.. eggs has tons of cholesterol so I would stay away from them.. If you want, you can have egg beaters (taste like regular eggs, but it's mostly the egg white.. no cholesterol, but still all the flavor and protein)

Certain grains are complete proteins like quinoa. Quinoa is high in protein and iron, and can be eaten like rice. So if you want a high protein meal, you can have some quinoa, some beans (or soy product) and some high protein veggies like asparagus (5.3 grams per serving) or broccoli (4.5 grams and also one of the healthiest vegetables out there)

You do not have to eat certain foods in order for the protein to take effect. Protein is protein. However there are foods that are "incomplete proteins" and "complete proteins". Incomplete proteins will still give you all of the protein that it says that it has, but just not all of the amino acids. Some foods should be combined like red beans and rice if they are 'incomplete proteins.' However soy is a complete protein, which is why it is so popular among vegetarians. Also I had mentioned quinoa is a complete protein.

I hope this was helpful and not too confusing :)

Answer 2

The human body doesn't really need a lot of protein the get through the day.
As a matter of fact, the Standard American Diet contains too MUCH protein...and the wrong type (the kind that is derived from animals and animal by-products).

As long as you eat a well-balanced mix of fruit, veggies and beans/legumes, you will be fine in the protein department and on top of that, you'll be getting the kind of protein that is easier and much healthier for your body to process.

I think its a waste of time to add up or try to calculate how much protein you are getting. You are wasting precious time during which you could be doing something mroe constructive. lol. No, you don't have to eat certain foods and no, you don't have to eat certain combinations of foods. Like I said, just make sure your diet is well-balanced.
Cheers!

Answer 3

That is so awesome that you are thinking about being a vegetarian. Its a great way to go. You can also be a pescatarian too... that is what I am... where you eat seafood but no red meat, chicken, or turkey.

Foods high is protein are:
-Cottage Cheese
-Whole Wheat/Grain products
-Soy Chips
-Yogurt
-Protein Shakes
-Protein Bars
-Any type of nut..... although they have a lot of fat so eat in moderation
-Tofu
-Veggie Burgers and Dogs.... try Boca, Gardenburger, Yves or Morningstar Farms
***There is also Veggie Turkey, Veggie Ham, Veggie Chik'n Nuggets, Veggie Ribs, Veggie Ground Meat.... etc that is great for everyday eating because you can just put it in place of the meat you would have used. And you get around 7-15 g of protein per serving***

There are many alternatives to meat out there now, it is so great! Email me if you want any more advice or any yummy recipes. Good Luck on your way to Vegetarianism!

Answer 4

Most vegetarians exceed they're protein need according to the American Heart Association. Make sure to include Soy(Tofu and the like) in your diet because it's a complete protein. Be careful using dairy products because they're very high in fat and though you do need some fat, for sure, it's better not to overdue it. It's very easy to eat a balanced protein rich protein diet. For instance, one of my favorite quick vegan entrees are Gardenburger Riblets. They have 17g of protein per riblet. A lot of soy burgers and other dishes are just as high in protein. Just remember, everyone should eat a varied and balanced diet but that doesn't mean it has to include meat. In other words, as long as you eat many different foods, you'll be fine.

Answer 5

All of the above plus the veggie society have lots of good stuff to say about protien, how much you need and where it comes from ( not meat - thats for sure ! ):

http://www.vegsoc.org/info/protein.html

I've been veggie fro 27 years and never even thought about it - guess i'm lucky or just found a decent balance naturally..

Hope you decide to give it a go, most people feel great on a veggie diet

Answer 6

I don't see what the fuss is about as i am vegetarien and am also alergic to eggs, i don't take an supplements, The only milk i get is from yoghurt and cheese ( i don't like milk ).and my bodys fine. There were no effects don't worry about it,ad i wouldn't drink that muc milk unless it was skimmed as it is fattening.And lastly i don't eat quorn or tofu instead i just eat the veg and carbs.

Answer 7

dont worry about it, i was worried about things like this when i first started, but when you look at every little thing you eat and drink you will soon notice that you are way over what you needed anyway, i even found myself cutting down as i didnt realise i had been eating more than i was supposed to.