Vegetarian - keeping my diet full of protien and keeping me healthy?

Question

Today is my first day of being a vegetarian.
My sister is one as well, and has been for a few months.

Since I won't be eating any meat or fish, I realize I need to figure out how to include PROTIEN in my diet.

I really only eat vegetables, but once in a while i may eat shrimp or crab. (no complaints please, i don't need to hear it)

So basically, any ideas on tofu recipes and other tastey ways to keep my diet healthy and full of protien so I don't get sick?

Thanks (: Best answer will be chosen.

I don't even know if i'm going to eat the shellfish.

Answer 1

Tempeh. It is so versatile and can be fried, baked, sauteed, etc... I generally marinade it using: shoyu, balsamic vinegar, agave nectar, spices, sesame oil, and nutritional yeast. IMO tempeh absorbs flavors better than tofu. It also has a pleasant nutty taste and texture that I find better than tofu. Tempeh also has more protein than tofu, and fermented soy is generally considered healthy even by people that are somewhat scared of soy.

Some tempeh ideas (in addition to marinade above)

-tempeh burger (using marinade above which makes the tempeh taste very meaty/savory) with melted cheese and all the fixings
-tempeh asparagus stirfry (tempeh cubed, asparagus, vinegar, chilli flakes, soy, agave nectar, sesame oil, garlic.) This tastes like the Sischuan Asparagus at PF Changs- yummy
-Veggie tempeh sandwich (avocado, sprouts, lettuce, tempeh fried with garlic salt and olive oil, tomato, etc on a toasted bun)
- Pizza topped with tempeh and veggies (beleive me, its good, just cut it nice and thin)
-tempeh baked with Italian spices with pasta.

Basically anything you like to eat will go good with tempeh in it. Its hard to mess up. If there is a Whole Foods near you I know they stock it (I like the organic tempeh with added grains), but any health store should

Here is the wiki article for more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempeh

Whole foods carries lots of different types. I like the organic three grain blend (has grain in addition to the bean)

Other sources of protein are beans. Here is a yummy bean dip I like and other recipes:

-cannelini beans (or any white bean) mashed up with olive oil, herbs, garlic, salt, pepper and balsamic vinegar.
- bean fritters: mash up some canned beans and mix with herbs, onions, and bread crumbs (or polenta). Form in to patties and fry up.
-veggie tacos: black beans, avocado, lettuce/cabbage, salsa

Answer 2

You truly do not need to worry about the protein myth. Eat a varied, balanced diet and you are virtually guaranteed of getting enough protein. The average American meat eater gets 4x the protein needed, to the detriment of their health. Most American vegetarians also exceed the amount needed daily.

You can get protein from soybeans and soy products (tofu, tempeh, edamame, tvp, faux meats,) beans and other legumes (lentils, peas, peanuts, chickpeas,) grains and grain products (bread and pasta are often vilified as "carbs" and everyone forgets they have protein, too!,) nuts and seeds, fruits and veggies, and even mushrooms. If you are still eating eggs and dairy, those are protein sources as well, as is the shellfish you're planning on eating. I am not going to complain about you eating shrimp, but I am going to ask that you be respectful and not call yourself a vegetarian as long as you still eat dead animals. It leads to all sorts of confusion.

Answer 3

The hormones added to animal feed can cause many health problems. Good for you for recognizing that. Also keep in mind that hydrogenated oils and other trans fats added to many food, including so called vegetarian foods, cause many health problems too. Acne is only one of them, and a less serious one. You can still enjoy wholesome foods like beef, chicken and others by only buying and eating organically grown meats. The reason you might be hungry all the time is because your diet lacks healthy fats and protein like those from meat and poultry.

Answer 4

If you plan on eating shellfish, please don't call yourself a vegetarian.

If you don't, good for you. Now, you really don't need to worry about protein, as just about everything supplies protein. So as long as you don't eat a junk-food diet, and as long as you don't starve yourself, you don't have to worry about kwashiorkor.







You must be asking what kwashiorkor is. That is the illness that results from protein deficiency, and it's almost unheard of in industrialized nations. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, beans, grains, and nuts, and you will be just fine.

Answer 5

A great way is to add ground nuts to your cooking.

"Sweet Potato walnut Ravioli in butter"
"Pine Nut Pesto"

Start eating more cheese but it newer ways.

"Parmesan Breaded Eggplant"
"Provolone cheese on Ginger Bread cookies"

I also came up with some new ways to dress up those Protein Shake Powders.

"1 serving Protein
8oz. Chai Tea
2oz. Apple Juice"

"1 serving Protein
2 TBSP Chocolate Ovelten Drink Mix
4oz cold coffie
6oz Milk"

Let me know if you need more.
Good Luck!

Answer 6

MorningStar Farms specializes in meat-free products. They are made completely of veggie protein. They are really good, healthy, and most importantly, meat-free!!

Here is their site: http://www.seeveggiesdifferently.com/

Answer 7

actually, you don't have to worry about protein. this is a myth. even broccoli has protein. it's in nearly everything you eat. but if you are worried, snack on nuts now and then.

Answer 8

almonds, cheese, milk all full of protein.
you can certain breads, pastas and milk with added protein, You dont need to worry about it that much.