Hey, another plant based protein question!

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sarko15
sarko15 Posts: 330 Member
edited December 2016 in Food and Nutrition
Sorry for another "problem solving" post...but I feel like maybe there's someone else who can identify with this.

MFP puts my protein goal at 83g a day. This feels like a lot and I almost never can meet that goal.

I'm probably about 80% vegan (last year or so), 100% vegetarian (12 years) and since I'm not new to plant based proteins I make sure I get my beans and spinach and sweet potatoes and lentils and quinoa all that jazz every day. But I cannot for the life of me get to 83g without feeling over full, and I don't ever feel like I'm lacking in energy due to lack of protein. I probably eat anywhere between 40-60g a day at 1200-1400 calories. I can't stand protein powder and I don't know what else to do to bump my protein intake up that much.

Does anyone know of any other macro calculators that they find accurate and helpful? I try to stick with one calculator (MFP) for everything because every website seems to get it a little differently and it's helpful to use one measuring tool when counting my macros and fitting it in my calorie goals, but if there's something better out there I want to hear it!

Replies

  • butterbuns123
    butterbuns123 Posts: 150 Member
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    Beans and lentils are really my go to. Soy milk is pretty good but on 1200 calories it will be hard to hit high protien without mostly legumes. Or a protien supplement. Maybe try a textured soy "meat".
  • Airportchick
    Airportchick Posts: 30 Member
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    When I first went vegan I tracked my nutrients in cron-o-meter. Depending on your current weight, 83g seems high. We really do not need that much protein.
  • sarko15
    sarko15 Posts: 330 Member
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    Airportchick wrote: »
    When I first went vegan I tracked my nutrients in cron-o-meter. Depending on your current weight, 83g seems high. We really do not need that much protein.

    I'm at 145, 5'3". I agree, it seems super high. I'll check out cron-o-meter, thanks!
  • chunky_pinup
    chunky_pinup Posts: 758 Member
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    I eat 1500 cals a day and have set my protein goal to 115g. I am vegan and don't have any issue getting to this. Only about 10g/day comes from powder, as I put half a scoop in my oatmeal. I eat a lot of beans, lentils, TVP, quinoa, Ripple "milk" (pea milk), chickpeas, chia seeds, and the occasional protein bar.
  • janejellyroll
    janejellyroll Posts: 25,763 Member
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    Not sure if you've seen this, but I think it has some helpful information: https://food52.com/blog/14291-how-to-get-lots-of-protein-as-a-vegan

    I get probably 60-70 grams a day usually and that is fine for my needs. I didn't use a macro calculator, so I won't be much help there. I just hand-adjusted my macros because I know from experience how I feel and perform best (higher carbohydrate, moderate to high fat, and somewhat lower protein).

  • Anclote
    Anclote Posts: 43 Member
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    Costco sells a completely vegan protein powder called Orgain that is also 100% organic and contains no soy. I have the chocolate and vanilla flavors and they are both AMAZEBALLZ. These will definitely help up your protein and are great after a workout!

    My current two favorite smoothies to make:

    REESE'S CUP SMOOTHIE
    Chocolate protein powder (Orgain)
    2 tbsp. "PB2" powdered peanut butter
    1/2 frozen banana
    1/2 c. Silk chocolate cashew milk
    1/2 tsp. chia seeds
    Fill with water and blend.

    CARROT CAKE SMOOTHIE
    Vanilla protein powder (Orgain)
    1/2 frozen banana
    1/2 tsp. chia seeds
    Handful of baby carrots
    1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
    1/4 tsp. cinnamon
    1/4 c. unsweetened shredded coconut
    1/2 c. plain yogurt (I use Fage 0%)
    Fill with water and blend.

    BOOM. These are so yummy!

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