Vegetarian Eating

Posted in Category(ies): All Natural, Food, Health, Healthy Eating, Vegetarian

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Can I Get Enough Protein?

When people first consider becoming a vegetarian, or simply eating less meat, they are almost always concerned about whether they are going to be able to get enough protein in their diets. Even if they are not concerned about that, it is bound to come up from well meaning friends and family members.

It is important to know that you can get sufficient amounts of protein without eating meat.

Protein is made up of 20 different amino acids and 8 of them are essential for life. Plants all are made up in part, with amino acids. They just might not necessarily have all 8. So it is important to eat a variety of plant foods every day in order to get your fill of protein.

Here are some vegan sources of protein.

• Raw Veggies- 1/2 cup of the kinds of raw vegetables you might find served with ranch dip at a house party have about 2 grams of protein.
• Cooked veggies- 1 cup has about 2 grams.
• Beans- beans and legumes have lots of protein. Don't just think "baked beans" though. Make some hummus, or a mexican bean dip, have a bean tortilla or some chili, or what about a 3 bean salad. Beans and rice with tomatoes and spices make a great spanish style main dish. There are many different kinds of beans and many recipes to try.
• Grains- cereals such as oats and barley are rich sources of protein.
• Quinoa- this ancient grain is one of the only plant based foods that actually has all of the essential amino acids. It is a complete source of protein all on it's own.
• Soy products- these days a vegan isn't limited to tofu. Look for TVP (textured vegetable protein), miso, edemame, soy nuts, soy milk, and a huge variety of meat-like products made from soy.

Some vegetarians still consume products that come from animals, while choosing not to eat the flesh of living creatures. These people also find good sources of protein in eggs, and dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt.

No matter what you've been told, it is not difficult to get adequate amounts of protein from plant based diets. Follow this simple rule. Eat a wide variety of foods every day, and choose from all color of the rainbow, and different textures.

You can be vegetarian, and be healthier than ever!

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Shelley Penney is a RN (retired) with a keen interest in health, peace and abundance.
Shelley has penned several e-books, currently runs several successful business ventures
from her home office, and has time to write, meditate, travel, and spend time with her
family. Visit Shelley at http://www.shelleypenney.com for interesting articles and
stimulating discussion.
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One Response to “Vegetarian Eating”

1. What are the different types of vegetarian diets utilized in society? - Effective Healthy Diets Says:
   May 11th, 2010 at 8:59 am

   [...] All Natural | Vegetarian Eating – Can I Get Enough Protein [...]

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