Vegetarian Protein Sources

For those of you who have adopted a vegetarianadequate protein.
lifestyle, or are considering one, you have surelyGrains
heard the tales of how a vegetarian diet offersNo vegetarian diet would be complete without
too little protein to be healthy. Well, since I havegrains. Types of grains include oatmeal, barley,
met and know many healthy vegetarians, I canwild rice, and rye. These grains can be found in a
assure you that this is not the case.variety of foods. Look for whole grains in pasta
Vegetarianism offers diets rich in all of theand breads. Many people get the majority of their
necessary vitamins and minerals, including angrains for breakfast in their cereals and even their
ample supply of protein.bagels. It is best to look for 100% whole grains
How Much Protein Do I Need?when you are making these selections to avoid
According to the American Food and Drugthose that are overly processed.
Administration, our recommended daily allowanceSeeds
for protein is 0.36 grams per pound of bodyGreat for toppings on your salads or just a snack
weight. For a 135 pound person, that isby themselves, seeds such as sesame, pumpkin,
approximately 49 grams of protein. This is anand sunflower are great sources of protein. One
easily achievable target by anyone adhering to aof my favorites is flaxseed, which is great for
healthy vegetarian diet plan.topping your cereal in the morning and along with
Protein Sources in Foodprotein is a great source for your omega fatty
So, what are the best sources of protein for aacids.
vegetarian? I have listed below some foods thatNatural Protein Supplementation
contain all of the essential amino acids, whichAlthough a balanced vegetarian diet offers more
means they are complete proteins and thereforethan enough protein for anyone's needs, some
are every bit as healthy as any meat productmay choose to supplement their diets. This is
you will find.most often done because of food preferences or
Beansfor athletic endeavors.
We have a variety of beans to choose from:Probably the most popular vegetarian protein
Garbanzo beans, Lentils, Kidney beans Lima beans,supplement is TVP, or texturized vegetable
Split peas, and Navy beans. Beans are great forprotein. TVP has been around for years and is
soups, salads, or by themselves. Just one cup ofexcellent for supplementing your healthy diet plan.
black beans provides 15 grams of protein makingIt has a "meaty" texture, which some like and
them one of the best protein sources for acan be used in soups, pizzas, casseroles, and
veggie diet.many other prepared meals.
SoyAdditional supplements include soy protein
I mention the soybean separate from the otherpowders and whey protein powders. Each offers
types of beans, because it surpasses all otheran excellent blend of amino acids and is a readily
food plants in the amount of protein that itbioavailable protein, but on the whole, we do not
provides. In fact, its bioavailability is equal orthink these are necessary for the average
better than many meats. It has become theperson. They are merely a preference for some.
staple food of many vegetarian diets.Vegetarianism is a natural and healthy lifestyle
Nutschoice that can be every bit as healthy and
For those who love nuts, there are manyfortifying as diets with meat and dairy. So, the
different types. Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, almonds,next time someone perpetuates the myth of
cashews, chestnuts, macadamia, walnuts, andinadequate protein in vegetarian diets, make sure
peanuts (my favorite) are all good choices forto challenge them on the greater array of protein
protein. With the large variety of nuts and theirsources your diet has over theirs!
many uses, you should have no trouble getting