Protein (soy, Whole Foods, food, tomatoes)

[WillynillyTalc]

This may be the first of several threads I start as I get into Vegetarian/Vegan food and cooking. Sorry if this has been asked repeatedly.

Where do I get my protein if I don't want to base my diet on soy? I actually don't want to have to eat any soy at all if I can help it. I know beans and peanut butter, but what else?

[Kristin85]

From happycow.net:

PROTEIN IN LEGUMES: Garbanzo beans, Kidney beans, Lentils, Lima beans, Navy beans, Soybeans, Split peas
PROTEIN IN GRAINS: Barley, Brown rice, Buckwheat, Millet, Oatmeal, Quinoa, Rye, Wheat germ, Wheat, hard red, Wild rice
VEGETABLE PROTEIN: Artichokes, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Green peas, Green pepper, Kale, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Mustard green, Onions, Potatoes, Spinach, Tomatoes, Turnip greens, Watercress, Yams, Zucchini
PROTEIN IN FRUITS: Apple, Banana, Cantaloupe, Grape, Grapefruit, Honeydew melon, Orange, Papaya, Peach, Pear, Pineapple, Strawberry, Tangerine, Watermelon
PROTEIN IN NUTS AND SEEDS: Almonds, Cashews, Filberts, Hemp Seeds, Peanuts, Pumpkin seeds, Sesame seeds, Sunflower seeds, Walnuts (black)

[GrandviewGloria]

You'd be amazed what has Amino Acids (the building blocks of Protein). Leafy Green Vegetables, for one.

Even Kombusha has Protein: a quarter of what you'll get from Chicken Soup, and half that of Skim Milk.

And you don't have to consume the Amino Acids at the same time (or, apparently, on the same day) for them to be combined by the body to form Protein.

Think like an Orangutan. They go around in the Jungle, eating a little of this, a little of that... Enough variety, and you're getting what you need.

Be sure to check out the Grain Flakes, sold in bulk, at Whole Foods cooperatives. Rye Flakes, Barley Flakes, Rolled Oats.... Besides Protein, all three are great for leveling-out Blood Sugar levels... a good, stable energy production, instead of highs and lows. Grain Flakes (simply rolled grains) are quick to cook, and can be stirred in toward the end of cooking, if you want to thicken a dish. Also, when I'm poaching Cabbage (half an inch of water in the bottom of a covered pan/skillet), I'll add rolled grains to soak up the poaching liquid. Or, when I'm steaming vegetables, I'll sprinkle some rolled Oats or Rye on top.

My personal favorites for protein are Buckwheat and Quinoa: but Millet is wonderful, too, along with so many more. And really, it's difficult to not get enough Protein. You're smart to look askance at Soy, BTW.

[Joke Insurance]

Originally Posted by WillynillyTalc

This may be the first of several threads I start as I get into Vegetarian/Vegan food and cooking. Sorry if this has been asked repeatedly.

Where do I get my protein if I don't want to base my diet on soy? I actually don't want to have to eat any soy at all if I can help it. I know beans and peanut butter, but what else?

This website might be able to help you out:

WHFoods: The World's Healthiest Foods

[Jason28]

You simply don't need that much protein to really modify your diet at all unless your a body builder. A cup of your favorite nuts a day is more than sufficient.

[bblaine]

if you want a "meaty" choice, i like seitan- it's made from wheat gluten.

[infiri]

I hope you guys have heard of complete proteins, and the essential amino acids.

[Drowningintherain2]

Originally Posted by infiri

I hope you guys have heard of complete proteins, and the essential amino acids.

I have heard of them, what's your point? It isn't necessary to consume "compete" proteins at a meal. As long as you eat a variety of foods you should be fine.

[infiri]

Originally Posted by Drowningintherain2

I have heard of them, what's your point? It isn't necessary to consume "compete" proteins at a meal. As long as you eat a variety of foods you should be fine.

They are called essential amino acid for a reason, they are essential.

[LivingDeadGirl]

I've been vegetarian for 16 yrs and eat very little milk, eggs, butter. Don't take vitamins, only some electrolyte tabs daily. I also was a proff dancer and work very hard in my garden now. The only problem I ever ran into was a terrific craving for tuna fish! Once I started taking flax seed oil tablets once every few days, that went away. But I eat as you folks recommend and am strong, well muscled, healthy with no vitamin/mineral definciencies. (dr check those every few yrs). Going vegetarian is very easy. It seems going vegan would be much more difficult in terms of a "complete" diet.