Calling all vegetarians

Poehlerbear1983
Poehlerbear1983 Posts: 63
edited September 24 in Food and Nutrition
I am new to being a vegetarian only about 2 weeks now. And I need some good ways to bump up my protein level. I am scared to try tofu. What would you suggest I do??

Replies

  • hroush
    hroush Posts: 2,073 Member
    Tofu is just processed soy beans. In fact, any soy bean will give you a nice bump in the protein and fiber department. In fact, I just made a veggie lasagna with 19 g of protein and 10 g of fiber. And it tastes and smells delicious!
  • VialOfDreams
    VialOfDreams Posts: 217
    I am new to being a vegetarian only about 2 weeks now. And I need some good ways to bump up my protein level. I am scared to try tofu. What would you suggest I do??

    Good sources of protein: quinoa, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, hemp oil, flax seed (grind the flax before using it), non-fat Greek yogurt, non-fat cottage cheese, egg whites, part skim mozarella.
  • Poehlerbear1983
    Poehlerbear1983 Posts: 63
    Tofu is just processed soy beans. In fact, any soy bean will give you a nice bump in the protein and fiber department. In fact, I just made a veggie lasagna with 19 g of protein and 10 g of fiber. And it tastes and smells delicious!

    can you give me the recipe?
  • h653uv
    h653uv Posts: 5
    Hello there I have been a vegetarian for about 10 years and I feel so much better both physically and mentally. Try Baked Tofu. Get firm tofu, drain and cut into strips about 1/4 inch. Baste with BBQ sauce and bake on a sprayed cookie sheet at 350 for about 45 minutes. You can cook to your liking whether you like it crunchy or chewy. DELICIOUS!!! Good for you for trying a healthier way of life
  • Poehlerbear1983
    Poehlerbear1983 Posts: 63

    Good sources of protein: quinoa, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, hemp oil, flax seed (grind the flax before using it), non-fat Greek yogurt, non-fat cottage cheese, egg whites, part skim mozarella.

    I do eat beans and lentils and nuts....I dont want to add more nuts because of the high fat content. I make sure my breads and things all are flax breads. I do not like greek yogurt can gag it down if i have too but for the amount it costs its harder lol and I dont eat cheese. I do add some egg whites to my salad.
    My mother bought some quinoa the other day for me the other day I havent tried it yet because i have been sick but I am gonna try it tomorrow!!!! Does hemp oil come in pill form?? lol
  • 4alison4
    4alison4 Posts: 54
    If you aren't big on cooking (like me!), I would stock up on Boca and Morningstar items (chik nuggets, patties, veg burgers, etc). I never have a problem getting enough protein and I don't even think about it. Morningstar makes some divine fake riblets. They also make what they call "crumbles", which is their meatless version of ground beef. Throw some of that in anything - tacos, spaghetti - and you're good to go!
  • Jouquetta
    Jouquetta Posts: 20
    Lentils are cheap and easy to make, yogurt is convenient but watch your sugar on the fruit ones. I also like quinoa but it can be a bit more expensive if you're in a remote area, but like rice it is very versatile and can be added to beans, salads, veggies, etc. Good luck on your vegetarian journey!
    :bigsmile:

    Oh... take a multivitamin until you get it all figured out just so you're covering all the minerals & vitamins you need.
  • Poehlerbear1983
    Poehlerbear1983 Posts: 63
    Hello there I have been a vegetarian for about 10 years and I feel so much better both physically and mentally. Try Baked Tofu. Get firm tofu, drain and cut into strips about 1/4 inch. Baste with BBQ sauce and bake on a sprayed cookie sheet at 350 for about 45 minutes. You can cook to your liking whether you like it crunchy or chewy. DELICIOUS!!! Good for you for trying a healthier way of life

    Thanks!!! I will definatly try that!!! Yeah I read the book Skinny B**** and havent been able to touch meat since. I am basically Vegan too except I do eat products that have milk in them like FF newman owns fig newtons lol. But drink soy milk....no yogurt....no cheese...type thing. I have never felt better about my eating habits as I have since I chose to become vegetarian. Like you said....I feel better mentally and emotionally and physically. I feel like I can finally overcome my weight issues. If you can think of any other good recipes that my kids would eat as well please send them my way if you have time :)
  • lizzy755
    lizzy755 Posts: 52
    Where are you? If you're in the UK then Quorn is a great brand because it's actually got flavour! They do 'sausages', 'steaks' as well as meals that are still low-cal. If not then as the others have said, nuts, lentils, eggs etc. I find I usually manage more protein as a veggie than I would if I ate meat again!
  • Lollyvoddy
    Lollyvoddy Posts: 194 Member
    I've been a vegetarian for five years, I don't eat tofu. As everyone mentioned there are a variety of products and foods out there that replace your protein adequately. It also pays to remember that many products have hidden animal products, such as rennet in cheese and gelatin in many sweets and things. My two vegetarian daughters are great at reading the labels on everything! Good luck :)
  • SparksFly460
    SparksFly460 Posts: 258
    Def Boca and Morningstar products. Tofu is good too if you're into cooking. For a quick protein fix, try greek yogurt...Chobani plain non-fat yogurt packs in 18 g protein and only 100 calories.
  • Poehlerbear1983
    Poehlerbear1983 Posts: 63
    If you aren't big on cooking (like me!), I would stock up on Boca and Morningstar items (chik nuggets, patties, veg burgers, etc). I never have a problem getting enough protein and I don't even think about it. Morningstar makes some divine fake riblets. They also make what they call "crumbles", which is their meatless version of ground beef. Throw some of that in anything - tacos, spaghetti - and you're good to go!

    I did buy the crumbles I am trying that tomorrow with some whole wheat pasta! I am not a fan of the boca burgers but I do eat Gardenburger (black bean chipolte is to die for!) I am SO gonna try the riblets! I have tried the Chik'n nuggets even my 4 year old cant tell the difference!!
  • Poehlerbear1983
    Poehlerbear1983 Posts: 63
    Lentils are cheap and easy to make, yogurt is convenient but watch your sugar on the fruit ones. I also like quinoa but it can be a bit more expensive if you're in a remote area, but like rice it is very versatile and can be added to beans, salads, veggies, etc. Good luck on your vegetarian journey!
    :bigsmile:

    Oh... take a multivitamin until you get it all figured out just so you're covering all the minerals & vitamins you need.

    I bought flinstone vitamins because adult ones make me feel sick lol. Also I bought B-12 vitamins. I was told that it is for sure one I need to take because I can only get it from animal muscle.
  • kristarablue
    kristarablue Posts: 702 Member
    TVP (textured vegetable protein) is awesome! Use it anyway you would use hamburger. It is low in fat and high in protein. It can be difficult to find but worth it. I have make "meatless" loaf with it, spaghetti, chili, sloppy Joes, taco's, ect.... Also any of the Morningstar farms and Boca products are nice protein substitutes. Tofu is really good because it takes on the flavor of what you are cooking. Try to press the tofu as well to give it a different texture. There are so many website's dedicated to vegetarianism that you won't be in want of recipes. Also any beans, legumes, eggs (if you are not a vegan) and nuts. It is very easy these days to be a vegetarian with all of the products available. You will learn quickly and probably won't even miss meat.
  • BackToSlim
    BackToSlim Posts: 1
    Lentils, legumes, etc.

    The amount of protein the average human needs has been overrated. Unless you are a hunter/gatherer of our nomadic ancestor types with the fear of ice age, too much protein only causes cancer and kidney disease.

    We are generations of vegetarians - my aunts, who never ate even eggs (did do dairy, though), were 5'10" and strong - completely on a vegetarian diet.
  • Jade_Butterfly
    Jade_Butterfly Posts: 2,963 Member
    Legumes, beans, Quinoa is a source of protein which contains all the aminos. You can also add soy, or light soy milk to your diet? Just a few ideas.:bigsmile:
  • Jade_Butterfly
    Jade_Butterfly Posts: 2,963 Member
    If you aren't big on cooking (like me!), I would stock up on Boca and Morningstar items (chik nuggets, patties, veg burgers, etc). I never have a problem getting enough protein and I don't even think about it. Morningstar makes some divine fake riblets. They also make what they call "crumbles", which is their meatless version of ground beef. Throw some of that in anything - tacos, spaghetti - and you're good to go!

    Agreed. The spicy sausage crumbles are fantastic. I also eat there bacon and spicy sausage patties.
  • ana70
    ana70 Posts: 93
    I have a great morning smoothie that I put medium firm tofu in it with black berries/blueberries/apple/frozen soy beans/ and almond milk. I use a fortified almond milk that has b12 in it and calcium and iron. Hope this helps. I am new to it too.
  • meaghanls
    meaghanls Posts: 29
    TEMPEH!
  • Poehlerbear1983
    Poehlerbear1983 Posts: 63
    TEMPEH!
    ????
  • Soopermomma
    Soopermomma Posts: 11 Member
    My 7 bean chili is a hit, I make brown rice seperately and add it to the mix. No one even notices that it has no meat.
  • h653uv
    h653uv Posts: 5
    I too read that book, and it is a true eye opener. I wish more people would read it, then I'll bet we would have more choices available to us in the supermarkets. Unfortunately I live in a rural area and have to travel quite a way to get any decent vegetarian options. My kids love the soy chicken tenders. I think they are made by Morningstar Farms, if not them then they are made by Boca. They have no idea they are eating soy. A great book to chech out is Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld. She adds fruits and vegies to ordinary recipies. They may not all be vegetarian friendly, but worth a try.
    One other recipie that I really like and so do my kids...
    Take a can of black beans and put the entire can into a blender with the liquid, blend until smooth then add to a box of brownie mix. Bake as directed on the box. No other ingredients are needed. They are delicious, and very moist. I dust some powdered sugar on top. Just do not overindulge since they are made with Black beans :)
  • rmhand
    rmhand Posts: 1,067 Member
    I had some Deli Style Veggie Protein Slices, Roast Turkey Style. They are made from soy and probably way too processed but 4 slices is 100 calories and 13g of protein. I eat meat but eat like a vegetarian on Wednesdays as a way to look for healthier options. Congrats on going Vegetarian. Another options would be to try protein shakes I know a lot of people mix the powder into smoothies ect.
  • wriglucy
    wriglucy Posts: 1,064 Member
    I don't know why you went vegetarian, if it was by choice or someother reason. I went back in 2000 because I don't like the taste of meat. So, for me...the foods that taste like meat and are made for vegetarians, don't cut it for me.

    I would also agree with the b12 vitamin. I'm taking Stress Tabs to get that vitamin. You can get that from some veggies, but I don't remember what ones...maybe kale?

    I started taking super whey protien shots from Body Fortress. You can get them at Walmart for 1.94 each(if I remember right). I mix it in with my glass of orange benefiber (really about 2 glasses) so I get 26 grams of protein and also about 8 grams of fiber all at once:) I used to eat cottage cheese but it was SOOO high in sodium! I have high blood pressure, so I had to cut that one out.

    Good luck!
  • mathergirl
    mathergirl Posts: 16 Member
    quorn is available in the US too. I love the quorn chicken. Only 80 cals. Per serving. I eat it every day.
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