How can I get protein as a vegetarian?
I love the vegetarian/ vegan lifestyle but sometimes I feel a bit slow and I think it's because I am not getting enough protein. I will typically have some sort of bean with every meal but I am worried it's maybe not enough. I want to make sure that I am meeting all my dietary needs before maybe adding my kids on to my diet.
Answers ( 2 )
Beans are great and are definitely the most frequent ingredient I use in dishes/meals. In addition, as a vegetarian, I eat tons of lentils, tofu, quinoa, and eggs. Tempeh is also delicious, but a little more expensive. Some of my favorite recipes are lentil sloppy joes, tofu tacos, lentil or tofu bolognese, quiche, and any kind of bean soup. Pinterest is a great resource for recipes, especially if geared toward kids.
This is a great question that I hear all the time. I think the marketing of meat has truly convinced many people that there is a risk of protein deficiency and it causes lack of energy. All plant foods have some protein in them. Foods heavier in protein include legumes, soy, nuts, wild rice, and many plants in the brassica family. While protein is an important part of our diet, the vast majority of Americans will get plenty as long as you are eating enough food and limited processed foods. If you feel a bit slow, I would highly recommend taking a look at your total intake of calories, especially carbohydrate. I have seen many people transition to a plant based diet, and simply not eat enough because they are used to calorie dense foods. One of the best parts of this diet is that you can eat as much starches and vegetables as you want and not feel guilty! Good luck and I hope everything works out for you.