Help with cutting down on meat, chicken, fish...

JlSimon22

Is anyone here a vegetarian or eat little meat? I want to cut down my consumption, but know high protein meals are helpful in fat loss, keeping you fuller longer, etc. Most things that have protein and aren't meat, aren't really that high in protein. Ideas?

chubby_checkers

Protein powder? Cottage cheese, greek yogurt, tofu, "meat" products like Morning Star, Quorn, etc.

RodaRose

Beans, lentils, tofu, almonds, walnuts, nut butters, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds.
Vegetables with protein like kale and broccoli. If you skip low protein foods like bread/pasta and such, there is enough room in the day for more broccoli or green peas or chic peas.

Need2Exerc1se

I find fiber to be just as filling as protein. Luckily, a lot of vegetarian protein sources are also high in fiber.

s2mikey

Lean meats are really the most complete way to get protein in a diet. And, they are also tasty and can be made a zillion ways too. Nuts, beans, dairy, and all that does work but that'll get old quick. protein powder is a great supplement but shouldnt be counted on as a main protein source.

Why are you looking to cut down on meats?

Gska17

I really like tempeh. It might be hard to find (look by the tofu in the store).

I also really like Thug Kitchen's blog & cook book (NSFW language). They have a lot of vegan bean-based meals I really like.

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mistikal13

I sometimes mix my ground meat with lentils and that works to help cut down on the amount of meat I use. Then serve whatever I'm cooking with extra veggies on the side.

janejellyroll

I get my protein from beans, tofu, tempeh, lentils, and seitan. Sometimes I put plant-based protein powder in my smoothies.

Sarasmaintaining

I go through phases of not being in the mood for meat and during those times my go to meal is brown rice, mushroom, veggie and egg stirfrys. Very filling and pretty low calories for the amount of food you get

BicepsAndBows

I am a vegetarian, and I have been since I was 9 years old. First of all, I would encourage you to think about your reasons behind cutting out meat. Is it ethical/moral, or is it based on the idea that cutting out meat will make you lose weight faster? Because that idea is not always true. A lot of the time, vegetarians end up eating more carb heavy diets, either due to a lack of protein options, or just naturally to help with hunger. I get most of my protein from sources such as veggie burgers, beans, nuts, and very high protein bars and smoothies. I also do things like greek yogurt, cottage cheese, etc. It IS possible to get in the protein you need in a day without meat, but I will warn you it's a lot harder, and you will feel hungry most of the time, especially at first! That's why, unless it's for moral reasons, I would recommend maybe just striving to cut down to eating meat once a day and then replacing your protein serving at other meals/snacks with vegetarian protein sources. Lean meat options actually are good for you, especially as a woman, to get the iron and protein you need! Also, if you are not looking to go completely vegan, eggs are a great protein source!

CM_73

RodaRose wrote: »

Beans, lentils, tofu, almonds, walnuts, nut butters, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds.
Vegetables with protein like kale and broccoli. If you skip low protein foods like bread/pasta and such, there is enough room in the day for more broccoli or green peas or chic peas.

+1.
I'd also like to throw quinoa into the mix as well.

lalepepper

CM_73 wrote: »

RodaRose wrote: »

Beans, lentils, tofu, almonds, walnuts, nut butters, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds.
Vegetables with protein like kale and broccoli. If you skip low protein foods like bread/pasta and such, there is enough room in the day for more broccoli or green peas or chic peas.

+1.
I'd also like to throw quinoa into the mix as well.

Came here to say this. Quinoa is a great veggie protein option because it contains all of the nine essential amino acids (aka "complete" protein) which is hard to find beyond meat. It's not a powerhouse, but it will help boost meals that are mostly veggies. It can be used similarly to rice in a lot of dishes and its also great on its own. I do eat meat, so I cook mine in a broth and it comes out deliciously. Just be sure to rinse it thoroughly before cooking, otherwise it can be bitter. I like to rinse a couple times and then pan toast to dry before simmering. Quinoa contains ~13g protein per 100g dry.

Seitan is also less commonly known about and was mentioned a few times above. Seitan is made from wheat gluten and has a slightly chewy texture. It fits in well with stir-fry or similar dishes that usually have smaller pieces of meat in them. It's pretty adaptable, but can be hard to find pre-made. I like making it, so I can add my own flavors to the mix, but it takes some time and patience to get right. Good if you're interesting in trying something new!

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JlSimon22

THANK YOU so much everyone! I really appreciate the feedback and ideas! I will definitely be trying some of these tips and ideas.