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Vegetarian Protein? Hemp?

vanlaura
vanlaura Posts: 26
edited September 2024 in Food and Nutrition
I am looking for a way to get protein into my diet because at the moment I am constantly falling way below my recommended amount.

I eat vegetables, beans, nuts etc but want to do a bit more, especially as I am working out a lot now. I have been looking at protein powders but a lot of them have sweeteners and ingredients that I generally try to stay away from. I have found a 100% hemp protein powder and was wondering if this would be as effective as the others.

Has anyone used it before? Have any helpful knowledge? Maybe know of a different natural powder?

Replies

  • inafit16177
    inafit16177 Posts: 84
    bump!
  • unsuspectingfish
    unsuspectingfish Posts: 1,176 Member
    I'd like to know, too. I've been avoiding the protein powders because of all the crap they put in most of them.
  • KokomoJoe
    KokomoJoe Posts: 435
    I use a product called Hemp Pro 50. It's 50% protein by weight and ingredients are simple Hemp protein. No soy, gluten, dairy. I miss it in with oatmeal or smoothies. One caution it gives everything a grey appearance, so if looks bother you don't add it to oatmeal as it looks like a grey gruel.
  • nicolekz
    nicolekz Posts: 10
    I have been vegetarian for 10+ years, and vegan on and off for about half that time, and I train with heavy weights, so protein is important to me. It has taken a lot of trial and error to find a diet that is right for me (healthy, plenty of protein, low sugar, etc.). It is difficult to get a lot of protein without consuing a lot of carbs in a vegan diet, and because of my strength training goals, I am currently consuming some animal products (but no meat/flesh at all). Egg whites are an optimal source of protein; they are a complete protein, absorbed easily, and contain no carbs. Greek yogurt is also high in protein and contains only a small amount of carbs (I eat the sugar-free, plain variety). I also highly recommend Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein, which is a high quality protein powder without the fillers and sugar. I have found Vitamin Shoppe to be the least expensive when purchasing the ON protein powder. I also sometimes get the Optimum Nutrition Pro Complex for a little variety, though it is more expensive.

    I have not tried the hemp, so I cannot comment on that. I tried rice protein powder once and could not stomach the taste, but perhaps it was the brand (can't remember what I got). You may also look into soy products, but I prefer not to eat a ton of soy, as it causes me to retain water. Tofu is high in protein, and you may want to add this in for some variety. Low-fat cottage cheese is another good source of protein without a lot of carbs, though I personally don't enjoy the taste.

    Good luck with your goals.
  • PBmaria
    PBmaria Posts: 854 Member
    I've seen textured vegetable protein sold at the organic market sold in the bulk section.
  • unsuspectingfish
    unsuspectingfish Posts: 1,176 Member
    I have been vegetarian for 10+ years, and vegan on and off for about half that time, and I train with heavy weights, so protein is important to me. It has taken a lot of trial and error to find a diet that is right for me (healthy, plenty of protein, low sugar, etc.). It is difficult to get a lot of protein without consuing a lot of carbs in a vegan diet, and because of my strength training goals, I am currently consuming some animal products (but no meat/flesh at all). Egg whites are an optimal source of protein; they are a complete protein, absorbed easily, and contain no carbs. Greek yogurt is also high in protein and contains only a small amount of carbs (I eat the sugar-free, plain variety). I also highly recommend Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein, which is a high quality protein powder without the fillers and sugar. I have found Vitamin Shoppe to be the least expensive when purchasing the ON protein powder. I also sometimes get the Optimum Nutrition Pro Complex for a little variety, though it is more expensive.

    I have not tried the hemp, so I cannot comment on that. I tried rice protein powder once and could not stomach the taste, but perhaps it was the brand (can't remember what I got). You may also look into soy products, but I prefer not to eat a ton of soy, as it causes me to retain water. Tofu is high in protein, and you may want to add this in for some variety. Low-fat cottage cheese is another good source of protein without a lot of carbs, though I personally don't enjoy the taste.

    Good luck with your goals.

    See, I've added most of that stuff (except for the eggs), and I'm still under by a bit every day.
  • ruffledviolet
    ruffledviolet Posts: 260
    My protein has been better recently if you want to check my diary. My carbs and sugar are high though. I'm considering trying a protein powder as well. Either soy, rice, or pea.
  • vanlaura
    vanlaura Posts: 26
    Thanks for the help guys! I went to the supermarket today and stocked up on some greek yoghurt and I think the next time I go into the health shop I will invest in some hemp powder :)
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