[chiaraluna]

This question may be better-suited to this forum than "New to Vegetarian..." I'm not really sure! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/lipsrsealed2.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":sealed:"><br><br><br><br>
Anyway, one of my best friends is an almost-vegetarian. Recently, she has expressed a lot of interest in becoming vegan/close to it. Unfortunately, she is very allergic to soy and is worried about getting protein and the like without being able to have it. As a bit of a soy-addict, I've not been able to help her as much as I would like, and I was wondering if those of you who might know a little more could post some advice for her. I've already given her the very general "if you eat a balanced diet of whole foods and grains you shouldn't have much of a problem" spiel, so the more specific you can be, the better. What has worked for you? What hasn't? What are some easy protein sources? What is a typical day for you? Anything you can contribute will be appreciated!

 

[ommmmaggie]

Boy, that is a tough one. But I bet there are people who are doing it. Right off the top of my head, I'd say nut butters are the way to go. Maybe seitan too? I know it's mainly vital wheat gluten, but your friend will want to check labels of specific products. Those are good ways to get protein.<br><br><br><br>
Your friend may want to read "Becoming Vegan" as it is very thorough in discussing different nutritional needs of vegans and ways to meet recommended amounts.

 

[thatoneguy]

Peanuts are a great source of protien.<br><br><br><br>
There are vegetarian protien shakes made without soy.

 

[chiaraluna]

Thanks, maggie! I actually have "Becoming Vegan," but I hadn't even thought about lending it to her...<br><br><br><br><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/stupid.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":sign:">

 

[Tesseract]

I would think beans, whole grains, nuts, and seitan would all be excellent high-protein choices. I think with beans and grains, you can work around just about any other food intolerance.

 

[ikisstrees]

Wow... I really feel for your friend because soy is in A LOT of foods (trust me, just start reading labels). I would suggest trying to find a vegan (and soy free) protein powder or supplement. I don't know of any off the top of my head but I'm crossing my fingers that they're out there!

 

[Tesseract]

<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>ikisstrees</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
Wow... I really feel for your friend because soy is in A LOT of foods (trust me, just start reading labels). I would suggest trying to find a vegan (and soy free) protein powder or supplement. I don't know of any off the top of my head but I'm crossing my fingers that they're out there!</div>
</div>
<br>
The allergic friend would probably know better, but I'm not sure that soy lecithin and soybean oil are considered major allergens the way soy <span style="text-decoration:underline;">protein</span> is. Seems like I see a lot of products that have one or both in them that don't have allergy warnings on them, and allergic reactions are usually triggered by proteins.<br><br><br><br>
As for vegan soy-free protein supps, I hear people mention hemp powder and pea powder pretty often.

 

[sararie]

It would depend...I think it is the majority of people are only allergic to the (soy) protein, but 3% are allergic to all soy..oil and lecithin. my daughter is one of them. she eats quinoa, which i was told was a good protein source for her. tastes good too. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""> we eat as she eats (vegan without all her other allergen food..nuts too!) and none in my family are protein/iron deficient.

 

[Tesseract]

<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>sararie</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
It would depend...I think it is the majority of people are only allergic to the (soy) protein, but 3% are allergic to all soy..oil and lecithin. my daughter is one of them. she eats quinoa, which i was told was a good protein source for her. tastes good too. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""> we eat as she eats (vegan without all her other allergen food..nuts too!) and none in my family are protein/iron deficient.</div>
</div>
<br>
Oh, I see. Thanks for clearing that up.