Vegetarians out there?

LovelyVegetarian

Hi,
I am getting frustrated with everyone's tips on eating protein to keep you full etc. and am super jealous of all those people that have grilled chicken/turkey breast for dinner with their salad or whatever. I know we have tofu and fish and all that but is anyone else finding the high-protein diet changes challenging for vegetarians? I do eat veggie burgers and I do eat fish (don't judge but I love sardines) but it's just not as easy - especially when we go out. I do really enjoy protein bars (my new obsession is the Smart for Life bar).
I guess I'm half-venting and half-asking if anyone else is finding this a challenge. And yes I eat cheese and eggs. But then again, there's only so much cheese and eggs you know?

myriahj84

There are plenty of non-meat sources of protein. My personal favorite is quinoa. You can look at meatfreeathlete.com for recipe suggestions too.

HMToomey

Have you tried beans? Couscous also has 6 grams protein per a cup. There is also nuts and nut butters. How low are you on protein at the end of the day?

This link may be of better use to you.
http://veganproteins.com/where-do-vegans-get-protein.html

Hope that helps!

LovelyVegetarian

Oh yes, I adore quinoa - I like cooking big batches.

drmerc

If you want to get in lots of protein I would recommend you start eating meat

321poppi

I'm a vegetarian. I know what you mean about hearing all the "secrets" to losing a lot fast usually means eating crazy amounts of meat and poultry. It gets not only boring, but it's not helpful to my lifestyle. I eat eggs, so, I am not afraid to scramble of fry up an egg white or two at times when I feel like I need more protein. I also sometimes will whip up a smoothly with added protein powder. I eat tempeh, tofu and lots of legumes (chick peas are a staple and really easy to toss into a salad).

Shock_Wave

<--vAgEtArIaN here lol :laugh:

paperandink

Vegan of several years here. I like proteins I can add to things I already eat, like putting flax in my oatmeal and smoothies, or nutritional yeast in soups and sandwich spreads. Tempeh and seitan are good alternatives to tofu in main dishes, if you're bored of or otherwise avoiding soy.

Have you tried Chunks of Energy? They're so addicting.

carocaro26

Morroccan spiced cous cous (this has chick peas in)Vegetable and bean chilli/Lentil and cheese loaf/Lentils (big green ones) cooked in veg stock with sun dried tomatoes and onion - delicious and very filling. Leek and Black/butter bean bake

We eat a mainly vegetarian diet and are always full but its easy to get into a food rut

bethainy

Hi there,

I'm vegetarian, have been all my life, and I've been realizing that I'm often actually over my goal for daily protein. I eat a lot of whole grains. I also drink soy milk (usually just with cereal), eat beans, nut butters, eggs... even half an avocado has 11 grams!

LittleMissDover

If you want to get in lots of protein I would recommend you start eating meat

Useful

I'm pescatarian and am usually over on protein by a fair amount. I eat a lot of fish, seafood, couscous and meat substitutes such as quorn.

LovelyVegetarian

Thanks for all the tips and also for acknowledging that it does get a bit frustrating :-)

I am a lacto-ovo vegetarian (for 20 years now).

I am meeting all my protein grams thanks in large part due to the protein bars I eat for breakfast. So I think overall I'm doing well - just mostly frustrating to be living a world of grilled chicken breast and other lean meat protein.

And also the challenge for me is that my family eats meat (husband and two young kids) - so I'm often eating separate meals an well, it's not always super fun.

And Mr. VAGetarian - hahaha! Funny!

PercivalHackworth

Needs prep at first not to suffer from any defficiencies - especially vitamin b12 - but seaweeds are good for that (Royal Kombu and Miso) as for the rest : tempeh, Seitan, Tofu, Quinoa, Lentils (blond, corail, yellow, gree), wild rice (a bit less of proteins)
I think people overestimate their needs in proteins, explaining why we see meat as a mandatory food, truth is, it's not

slkehl

Beans
Barley in soups
Nuts
Seeds
Peas
Soy products

Remember, variety is key! You need to combine different sources of proteins to get what you need.

lilmisfit

Whey protein shakes? I usually have 1-2 per day, along with other non-meat protein sources. I'm a vegetarian and I don't have a problem getting enough protein.

leapinglizards86

What is Quinoa? I've heard of it before, never tried it though.

Thinsposa

Having been a vegetarian for 10 years and vegan for 1 I am always finding it hard to meet my daily quota of protein, HOWEVER, I recently found this product:
http://www.sunwarrior.com/
It really is fantastic, I feel like my body is thanking me for it.
Good luck with it all!

tgood425

It's a grain that is super nutritious. Kinda nutty flavored and great with anything. I find it at the grocery store Easy to make too. I would highly recommend trying it.

leapinglizards86

Thanks. I'll look for it the next time I go to the store.

RaayRaee1995

I've been a veggg for about 3 years and at first it was SO hard to feel full. Now I eat hard boiled eggs from trader joes, and almond butter, peanut butter, think thin bars, almonds, tofu, and black beans occasionally. You just have to find what you like and what works for you. Finding protein isn't as hard as it seems. Meat isn't the only source!

lizphantom

I am a vegetarian and never go hungry! I eat veggies ALL DAY. It seems like I have to eat a lot throughout the day, but that's actually better for your body. Graizin like an animal! I just made a super filling meal of aloo paneer bread topped with diced veggies, sauteed in safflower oil. i ate a banana on the side, and i'm full! the meal was 385 calories of deliciousness.

Also, lentils, beans, and other legumes are super filling and protein heavy. They're actually more fulfilling because they have tons of fiber, too! Way better than nasty dead carcass protein! Don't forget that vegetables have protein, too!

Best wishes! Feel free to add me, fellow veg-head.