Any other vegetarians here? Protien ideas needed...

**Kaley** · July 4th, 2009, 04:49 PM

Hi - I have been dieting and on phen for about 7 weeks. I am happy to say that I have lost 12 lbs. Everything is going great except for the fact that I am really tiring of the meals I have been eating. I have been relying on soy (boca, etc...and tofu) for my protein. I force an egg down once a week (hate them) and I also eat cottage cheese which I don't care for either. I'm careful with beans (love them!) because I know they are a carb food also. I do grains as well. I try for easy meals as I am in the beginning stages of a kitchen remodel and things are packed away, so cooking isn't so easy lately. Wondering if anyone has some suggestions for protein meals/snacks that don't rely on soy, dairy, or eggs? I feel like I am not going to make it to my goal unless I get get more variety in my diet. I have pretty much given up pasta and bread, so I don't want to include those. I feel trapped - but there must be some other vegetarian protein sources that I am overlooking. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Kaley

**chelseamorning** · July 4th, 2009, 06:35 PM

I've been a vegetarian for 13 years. It's kind of a misnomer that vegetarians don't get enough protein. There's plenty of protein in lots of vegetables and what not....now, soy, in most forms is a complete protien....the best being Edamame. (vegetable soybean, yummy)
Now, there's also lots of protein in veggies, and you don't have to have a complete protein every meal--if you have the other components and part of a carb in another, it will do it for you.

**Kaley** · July 4th, 2009, 06:54 PM

Thanks, Chelsea - nice to know I am not alone! I been living a vegetarian lifestyle since I was 14 and I am 43 now - and you are so right that we get enough protein just by eating a variety of foods - having to balance meals is such outdated-mythy stuff of the dark ages. My diet Dr. told me I would lose more weight if I ate more protein - so I guess that is why I have this new concern. Edamame is an awesome tip - I should snack on it more than I do (I always give it to my daughter as a snack as it keeps her hands and mouth busy and affords me a break from her constant ramblings!) - I will try to put more veggies on the grill (stove is out of commission due to the remodel) - so I'll look to eggplant, etc... more than soy. I LOVE soy, but eating it all the time is making me begin to despise it! Thanks! - Kaley

**angelea** · July 4th, 2009, 08:17 PM

Another vegetarian here

Whenever I am trying to up my protein intake, I like to add protein bars and shakes. If you mix a soy or whey based shake with a glass of soy milk, you can get around 15-20 grams of protein alone. They also satisfy my sweet tooth. I also enjoy almonds and cashews. They both have around 7g of protein in an ounce and are excellent sources of monounsaturated fats.

**chelseamorning** · July 4th, 2009, 09:49 PM

I know there are some people out there that can't do much soy....because they're predisposed to Endometriosis and soy has elevated amounts of estrogen, so that's an issue.
I just love it though.
be careful with those protein bars--they're full of chemicals and fat.

**angelea** · July 5th, 2009, 09:40 AM

Originally Posted by chelseamorning

I know there are some people out there that can't do much soy....because they're predisposed to Endometriosis and soy has elevated amounts of estrogen, so that's an issue.
I just love it though.
be careful with those protein bars--they're full of chemicals and fat.

Me too- I would be in a world of hurt if I couldn't eat soy! I like Kashi and Luna bars - both are fairly low in calories (less than 200) and use wholesome ingredients, without artificial sweetners and other unpronounceable chemicals. Of course, they have to be eaten in moderation, as any caloried dense food such as these can cause weight gain. However, they serve as a wonderful treat that calms my sweet tooth and gives me a fair amount of protein and fiber.

**naomi777** · July 5th, 2009, 02:04 PM

What type of vegetarian are you? I ask because that makes a big difference in suggestions, lol. My son is 3 years old and he is a Flexitarian, he won't eat anything 4 legged but he will on occasion eat two-legged and he also eat lots of sashimi and fish....he's not your average toddler. This is not something I have ever pushed on him I am not a vegetarian,he just has always eaten like this and it may be because he was allergic to milk and traditional formula when he was a baby so we were only able to give him organic soy milk or goats milk on occasion. He still has issues with Milk but is doing better with it, but he still doesn't like it. So I have learned to cook alot of vegan/vegetarian meals because of this. I can give you some pretty good recipes (I eat it too so I can vouch for it) but want to make sure I don't give you any that aren't against your own choices.