One of the most widely known source of non-meat protein is soy, and it's a very good one at that, a vegetarian an replace any meat products with soy based one and he will get enough protein in his diet. They even make meat replacements made out of soy, I haven't tried most of them, but I did try some ground beef flavored soy and I thought it was really good.
I have really been wanting to go meatless, but I don't want to pay the outrageous prices they want. I am guessing it's so high because most of it is organic. I decided to make my own. I feel the best option for meatless protein is garbanzo beans. I was given an entire case of cans to me for free. In the can the legume is semi-soft, similar in texture to a cooked northern bean. Garbanzos are extremely healthy too.
JessiFox, You're welcome. I hope that you find my suggestions helpful. Even if you do eat meat, it is a great idea to cut back on your meat consumption. This would be healthy for anyone. I think the misconceptions about non meat protein is probably happening more today than what they used to. People do not realize that there were whole societies today and in the past that did not eat meat and received their full amount of nutritional needs. If you think about it, the animals in nature that live the longest don't eat meat. Look at how massive an elephant is and it only chomps on greenery. Some of the best athletes are vegans. Just a little food for thought for anyone. Just wanted to add a few more suggestions. Kale is a great source of protein with 5 grams in 2 cups. Cooked spinach has 7 grams in a cup and a cup of peas has 9 grams. Quinoa is also a good source and gives 9 grams. 1 tablespoon of hemp powder will give you 11 grams. And still, my ultimate favorite is lentils because it gives 18 grams in 1 cup.
That's very true as well. People look to the obvious examples of carnivores and such in the wild, but there are plenty of animals that are not that do just as well. I think a part of the problem is that some people only seem to get into vegetarianism or veganism as a fad or something "trendy" to do, and they tend to be the most outspoken/obnoxious about it, which can really turn some people off to the idea and unfortunately at the same time they'e closing their minds to a concept that isn't fully represented in its fad form. Thanks for the additional ideas, and everyone else as well. I've got some great ideas now to mix up my meals...getting my husband and son on board might be a different story, but a girl can try, right?
I really understand what you are saying. I don't like when people make things into fads. Me, personally, I don't try to place my beliefs and affirmations on others, but I do try to inform people of healthy changes that they can make in their lives. I am glad you were able to get some ideas together and certainly, the least you can do is try to get your son and husband on board. They may be surprised to find that they like consuming less meat. My sister had the hardest time with her husband, but he finally gave in and when he started realizing how he felt much better than he had with consuming a lot of meat, he was grateful that she kept being persistent.
I make my food choices based on my lifestyle, or a lifestyle I am trying to create for myself and my family. We all need to eat better, and that especially rings true for my wife and myself. Kids are going to eat junk, to an extent, and that is okay. I am a 40-year-old man, I need to start thinking about my heart. Besides garbanzos and soy, what else could help us into eating better?
That's fantastic that she kept being persistent and was able to help him change his eating habits . I hope the same for my situation, my husband is actually more open to it than I was expecting him to be, and my son will live with the decision lol. It does make you feel a lot better, I think.
That's how I feel as well to an extent, I think all of us eat a bit junky on occasion and a few treats in moderation is not a bad thing, but everything in moderation is the best method I find. I've felt a lot better since switching the majority of my proteins to lean meat sources, seafood and non-meat options like mentioned throughout this thread. I haven't tried the hemp powder yet but I am interested in it. I've also switched to almond milk, and I personally feel better consuming less dairy.
Remember beans combined with corn or tortillas are are source of protein. Eggs and dairy are a source of protein. Nuts are also a good source. Lima Beans are high in but I'm not sure if they have all of the Amino acids. Quinoa, Chickpeas, Peanut Butter, Tofu, Chia Seeds, and Edamame are all good sources of protein.
Beans, many different types of them, are good sources of protein as well as fiber. The big increase in fiber may cause discomfort at first when or if you are not used to it, so start adding beans in slowly. Many people substitute a mixture of different types of beans for meat when making things like chili. This is a good way to start making substitutions. You can add beans to soups and casseroles as well. Refried beans (or even mashed beans without the added fat) work nicely in burritos and things like that instead of meat. Nuts are good as well, but they aren't as easy to incorporate into "normal" meals as a meat substitute.
Ah yes, good to keep the beans and the lentils in mind....thanks for the input you two . I'm getting so many great ideas and a lot of these ideas will fit in quite well with some healthy comfort food now that it's getting much colder where I live. Love all the inspiration.
