Quote:
Originally Posted by weese17
Yeah, I know I probably need more protein, but as a weggetarian, it can be difficult. I do what I can - most of my cereals are soy based - but I just can't stomach eating meat. Yuck.
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I've been veg ( but not vegan) since age 14 and getting that protein just takes some retraining. I had a few problems with iron, but never protein.
Currently I live in a country that is not veg friendly...period, so I pack a home cooked lunch every day (can't eat the school lunch) and most days am cooking from scratch. I know most folks will say that this is impossible for them, but once you live in a country where NOT doing so is impossible you learn to do it. Period. You learn to make it work. When I have a slow part of work I think about what is still in my fridge, plan a basic dinner, write down what extra supplies I might need and pick them up on my walk home.
general tips:
Embrace Quinoa. It is easy to make and is a whole protein. It easily be used in place of many things so you don't always have to find quinoa specific recipes. I use it in place of tiny pasta for cold pasta salads (which often use beans as well, bonus!) if I'm making a couscous dish I mix some in.
Adding sliced almonds or other nuts in your salads.
The same goes for mixing in tofu and beans where you can. There are many recipes for seasoned white beans I occasionally make dill seasoned white beans, keep them in a jar in my fridge, and toss them into salads (using whatever oil/vinegar,dill that still clings to them as the dressing).
Stirfrys are easy. When you make them, add in slices of tofu or nuts or beans (always press the water out of tofu before this, watery tofu is a turn off in stir frys) serve over brown rice...protein!
These steps will also help keep you feeling more full than you would without them. A few more calories, yes... but those calories help prevent possible larger calorie splurges due to hunger between meals and poor food choices.
I eat natto every day, but that's not an option for most.