Carb Addict Needs More Protein

[IWorkAtHome]

Hi. Ever since I quit eating meat, I've become addicted to all kinds of carbs and also too much sugar. I have a major lack of protein in my diet.

Does anyone have any suggestions to add protein to my diet. Right now, all I can think to eat is eggs, cheese and tofu. There has to be more! :p

[Finlay]

Actually, from what I read, you don't need as much protein as is commonly thought.

Anyway, other sources of protein include all kinds of beans and nuts :).

[MollyGoat]

What about nuts and beans, silly? Especially lentils have lots of protein. Keep some mixed nuts around to snack on throughout the day, and you'll be sure to be getting a protein boost, plus good fats and lots of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Peanut and other nut butters are a great source of protein, too.

[MollyGoat]

Guess we cross-posted, Finlay!

I'm going to have to take a step away from the veg*n party line and dare to say that I do think a significant amount of protein is needed in the diet...not as much as you'd get on Atkins, of course, but protein is the body's building block, and you need enough to feel full and to keep your blood sugar on an even keel.

[epski]

Protein for Vegans (http://home.pacbell.net/epski/vegan/studiesnutrition/ProteinForVegans.doc) (Word doc)

[eggplant]

Whole grains have protein. Some grains such as quinoa, spelt, kamut and amaranth have quite a bit of protein. Tempeh (I like it even better than tofu) and soy milk, yogurt and cheese are other soy protein sources. Seitan has protein. Seeds of all kinds are high in protein, and ditto what everyone else said about nuts, nut butters and beans.

[SallyK]

You could try adding protein powder to a smoothie or something of the sort.
Arbonne just came out with a protein shake that's low in carbs, made with pea protein, it's completely vegan and sweetened naturally. It's so yummy!! It has 18g of protein.

[SunnyK]

IWorkAtHome, it sounds like you are currently vegetarian, not vegan? If so, I believe that your protein level won't have changed significantly from when you ate meat, if you still consume eggs and cheese. At least, that's what I've been told.

But of course there are plenty of other alternatives (as suggested by others already) if you are trying to eliminate eggs and cheese -- or if you're just tired of them. :p

[Artichoke47]

IWorkAtHome, too. :lol:

Sorry, that was off-topic.

[bluegrrrl79]

I get protein from: Veggie burgers/dogs, wheat germ, hummus, mushed pinto beans(like refried beans), nutritional yeast, lentil soup, peanut butter, chocolate soy milk(though you said you eat dairy right?), tofu....can't think of what else right now. I also drink a soy protein shake sometimes.

[IWorkAtHome]

Thanks so much! I guess i'm just paranoid because my husband said since I'm not eating meat that I'm not getting enough protein. Silly him!

[Descentia]

Heh heh, cute avatar!

That's the first thing people seem to think when you ge veg - not enough protein.

Just like now, as I am practically vegan (schmegan - if I can borrow Max and MsRuthies term) people keep asking about calcium.