Any vegetarian or vegan bandsters out there? I'm curious how you get all of your protein in? I have relied a lot on eggs, ground turkey etc. to meet my protein needs, but I'm switching to a more plant based diet and am worried about protein intake. Any suggestions? Thanks!

I'm not a Vegetarian in the strictest sense, but I have not eaten Red meat since hitting the Green Zone 2 1/2 years ago...I don't eat eggs and much in the way of dairy products and baked (flour based) goods, along with some other things...

I have absolutely no problem getting 65-80 gm of Protein everyday....

As I type this I am having my Breakfast smoothie - 35gms protein to start the day, before heading to the gym at 5am....

i was a veggie for about 10 years and here is what i found and is true: Protein is found in all plant foods, including vegetables, grains, legumes (such as Beans and lentils), soy foods, nuts and seeds. You dont have to just drink your protein to get enough in (but it does help).

Here is a good article i found for you that is very informative. hope it helps:

http://www.health.co...0718479,00.html

Buckwheat is a complete protein....quinoa has a high protein level......

Carolina Girl, I was a veg, too -- 17 years but quite a long time ago now.

I'm a vegetarian now, well since April. I was one 20 years ago as well for about a decade. Anyway- I still have milk and eggs, so I don't fall into the vegan category.

I find Protein drinks to be a good thing- at least one a day for me. Other than that, eggs (I have backyard chickens so I get fresh eggs). There's a peanut powder, PB2, that's fairly high in protein and lower in fat that's easy to flavor things with. Other than that the standard tofu, tempeh, lentils. In a bind I'll have a boca burger. cheese is another good one for me- cottage cheese with balsamic vinegar and spices. Spinach is good too- but in order to get enough protein from it you'd have to juice a bag or bunch of it.

If you are not vegan, milk, cheese, yogurt etc are must haves

If you are, look for soy/rice versions. Than invest in Quinoa- excellent Protein, legumes, tofu, vegetarian versions of meat (like vegan dogs/burgers), nuts, and making hummus. Start tuning into the nutrition labels and you'll be surprised to see a portion of peas can be as much as 8g of protein and brocolli is 6g. Add those kind of veggies to something like tofu and you got yourself a meal!

Protein shakes and/or additives are also helpful when you are starting out and getting your barrings on how to concoct a protein packed veggie meal.