Whether you're an extreme animal lover, it's for your religion, or you just want to try something new, a vegetarian diet is an excellent choice. Think about how many chickens have been killed for you to order that extra-large chicken wing box and what part of what animal are you eating exactly as you munch down on that hot dog. Yuck. A meatless lifestyle is the way to go! For your sake, and the animals'. When choosing a vegetarian diet, however, your health and well-being is still oh so important, and should not be hindered at all. One main concern is often, how do you get the protein necessary to stay living, breathing, healthy, and energized? Here's just a few meat-free options for you to get that protein your body craves!
1. Tofu: 10g/half cup
Many People like to criticize tofu for being tasteless and "icky", but the key is in the preparation. You just need to get creative and do some research. Love General Tso's Chicken when you get chinese takeout? Try THIS general tso's TOFU recipe, it's awesome!
2. Peanut Butter: 8g/2 Tbs
Come on, who doesn't love peanut butter? And if for some crazy reason not, try almond butter (7g/2Tbs) or any other variation; you're bound to like something.
3. Quinoa: 8g/c
Quinoa is a scrumptious, almost rice-like food that you can use in SO many different ways, while still getting in your protein!
4. Greek Yogurt: 17g/single serve container
You don't have to be Greek to eat this, and it is PACKED with protein. It does have a slightly different texture, but no worries because if you're not a fan of the chunkiness, regular yogurt, on average, has about 9g of protein per container.
5. MEXICAN...
Love your tacos?! Beans are a great alternative to ground beef AND are full of protein! For every one cup of refried beans, you can get 13g of protein and if you prefer black beans... even better! Black beans contain about 21g of the nutrient for every two-thirds of a cup.
6. Hummus: 6g/2 Tbs
Hummus is an easy and delicious snack or ingredient for things like wraps or as a dip for crackers, pitas, or vegetables.
7. Hemp Seeds: 10g/2 Tbs
Seeds can be eaten alone, as a snack, or added to just about anything for some extra texture. Try them in your oatmeal, as a salad topping, or get creative! In addition to hemp seeds, there is endless varieties. Chia seeds (4g/2Tbs) and pumpkin seeds (5g/oz) are just two other options.
8. Cottage Cheese: 25g/c
Cottage cheese has a bad rap, but that's because no one ever uses their thinker! Add pineapple, blueberries, sugar, Splenda, really anything and the difference is a life changer. And in case you were wondering, this is more protein per cup than in a 3oz serving of beef (22g of protein). Thank you cows for you milk and cheese curd, and don't you worry, we will NOT be taking you to the slaughterhouse anytime soon.
9. Lentils: 18g/c
Lentil soup, lentil salad, lentils, lentils, lentils. They are just GOOD.
10. Peas: 9g/c
Vegetables actually have a surprising amount of protein. One serving of peas contain about as much protein as half an ounce of chicken! With way less calories and more fiber, you can eat so much more of the green and still get the same satisfaction of a full belly. Other great vegetables include asparagus (3g/two thirds of a cup) and broccoli (3g/c).
11. Buckwheat: 23g/c
Buckwheat is an ESSENTIAL if you're also eating gluten-free. It's filled with proteins and vitamins, and actually not a wheat at all, but a seed. Again, it can be used as a salad topping, OR as an aid in replacing flours for items like muffins and pancakes. HERE are a few recipes to get you started!
12. Cheese: 7g/oz
If you don't love all cheese and every cheese... just no. Not even an option.
13. Edamame: 16g/c
If you don't know what edamame is, if you've ever been to a sushi place and gotten that little bowl of salty green pods to snack on before your meal — that's it. Whether you eat this soybean as a snack with salt or use them in your cooking, they are sure to keep you full and your energy up.
14. Honey buns: 7g per tasty, tasty, bun
Last, but CERTAINLY not least, is the honeybun. If natural foods just don't perk your interest, or you just need a sweet, sugary, glazed, artificial fix, just one of the Hostess brand buns contains 7g of protein...
WHO KNEW?
