Being vegan and getting protein

jennyk213

I went to a nutritionist a couple weeks ago and realize I hadn't been getting in nearly enough protein.  I've been close the last two weeks and feel so much better.  But wow, am I struggling to find recipes. 

I'm looking for suggestions for cookbooks, blogs or websites with high protein recipes.  The only catch is I'm sensitive to soy and avoid other meat substitute products.

WendyGR

I'm guessing you already have lots of bean and quinoa recipes?

HollyChubb

Edamame is a good source of protien and so is almond milk. You can try peanut butter to help sub your protien intake but the simplest way is to use protien powder- they have whey protien and you can just add that too your drinks. I prefer it in my morning smoothies.

jennyk213

WendyGR:

I'm guessing you already have lots of bean and quinoa recipes?

I do but I'm always open to more.  I get bored with the same meals pretty quickly.  

Inkful

http://www.101cookbooks.com/vegan_recipes/

annabelle.27

HollyChubb:

the simplest way is to use protien powder- they have whey protien and you can just add that too your drinks. I prefer it in my morning smoothies.

whey isn't vegan.

I second 101recipes linked above- I've found the greatest recipes on there.

branny

The whole "X grams of protein" thing pushed by many people is silly, IMO. 

I guess my response depends on your reasons for visiting the nutritionist.  Some RDs push more protein because it can feel more satisfying and aid in weight loss, etc.

That being said, I have a ton of bean recipes in my blog (link in signature).

another KT

edamame are soybeans

jennyk213

branny:

The whole "X grams of protein" thing pushed by many people is silly, IMO. 

I guess my response depends on your reasons for visiting the nutritionist.  Some RDs push more protein because it can feel more satisfying and aid in weight loss, etc.

That being said, I have a ton of bean recipes in my blog (link in signature).

I've been vegetarian for 15+ years and really have no idea of what a balanced diet looks like.  This is pretty clear by the fact that I am overweight.  Actually, I was overweight before I became vegetarian, so I guess I didn't know how to eat as a non-vegetarian either.  I also have hypothyroidism and an underactive adrenal gland which caused me to gain even more weight.  On top of this, I am sensitive to soy and anything from cow's milk which used to be my two primary forms of protein.  Losing weight has been next to impossible with my thyroid issues.  The nutritionist said getting that much protein should help with the weight loss.

kelbrian

This blogger is vegan and has a ton of recipes chock full of protein. I'm not vegan but I absolutely love what she comes up with.

http://ohsheglows.com/

Kelly20

I'm not sure if you have any sensitivity to wheat - however seitan is a very concentrated form of protein. In fact a 3oz portion has around 18 grams.You can buy it already made, but it is very expensive so I prefer to make it at home (in addition it tastes much better and is better for you that way). The recipe is easy it just can be time consuming so I make a bunch at once periodically and freeze it.Below is a recipe I've used:

http://www.theppk.com/2009/11/homemade-seitan/

 In addition to above suggestions (which are great!) here are a few websites that have lots of vegan recipes:

http://www.vegweb.com/

http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/2000/02/recipes-list.html

http://www.theppk.com/recipes/

Hope that helps!

annabelle.27

Have you tried chia seeds? (yes, like the Chia pet. They're actually a food you can buy at the health store). They're a balanced source of protein, containing all nine amino acids. You can put them in anything, no need for a special recipe. I used to throw a tablespoon in water with a splash of lemon juice and tell myself it was lemonade (although it wasn't sweet). They're chock full of nutrients, including Omega 3 fatty acids and iron, also of importance to vegans. Check it out.

jennyk213

annabelle.27:

Have you tried chia seeds? (yes, like the Chia pet. They're actually a food you can buy at the health store). They're a balanced source of protein, containing all nine amino acids. You can put them in anything, no need for a special recipe. I used to throw a tablespoon in water with a splash of lemon juice and tell myself it was lemonade (although it wasn't sweet). They're chock full of nutrients, including Omega 3 fatty acids and iron, also of importance to vegans. Check it out.

Ooh, I hadn't heard of this.  I will definitely check it out next time I go to the grocery store.  Thanks!

Thanks for all of the other links and ideas.  I will look at all of them.  

CDMay2006

I recently tried field roast for the first time (i generally avoid fake meat products), and it was decent.  I think it was a mushroom flavor.  TONS of protein by weight.  Soy-free and i think vegan.  Not sure if it's available nationally (it's made in Seattle), but if you find it, it's worth checking out.

motherslittlehelper

This doesn't take the place of beans, etc., but spirulina supplements (high-quality, low lead supplements) contain a lot of quality protein and other good things.  I take Nutrex powdered spirulina.  I mix it in fruit shakes.

HollyChubb

::headdesk:: I'm sorry, I wonder if I even read the title or post when I responded. Can I use the excuse I was jet-lagged?