Are you Getting Enough Protein if you do Not Eat Meat? -CLOSED

Are you a vegetarian or someone trying to minimize their meat intake, and find yourself concerned about maybe not getting enough protein? If you are a vegetarian or vegan you can get adequate protein from non-meat sources, you just have to be more mindful of it.   Even if you are still a meat-eater, consider having a vegetarian diet once a week.  Our family has meatless Mondays, all day!

How much protein do you need?  In the athletic world, there is no greater debate than how much protein you require on a daily basis. There are a number of varying recommendations and calculations when it comes to how much protein you should be consuming. On closer inspection, the daily intake of protein depends on age and activity level. For example, weight trainers, pregnant woman and teenagers require more protein than a sedentary individual.  Check out this site for how much protein you require.

Here are some vegetarian-based foods that are high in protein, you really should consider adding to your diet.

1. Beans (black, pintos, lentils, etc)

Beans were once considered the staple of a poor man’s diets, but they really should be considered for all diets.   Beans are super high in fibre and have about 7-10 grams for protein per half cup.

2.  Meat-alternatives

The options for faux meats have increased at the super market.  You can find any of your favorite meat dish made over with soy.  All of these options are very high in protein and are very tasty.  I like Morningstar Farms Grillers Recipe Crumbles and Morningstar Farms Breakfast Sausages.

3. Edamame

When soybeans are still in their pods it is called edamame. They are a popular food in Japanese cuisine. A half-cup serving of shelled edamame has about 11 grams of protein. It makes a tasty side dish for your main dish or even works as a nice snack.  1/2 cup cooked is 14 grams protein

4.  Tofu

Tofu is like a blank slate.  Whatever you want it to taste like, it will.    Grill it, crumble it, marinate it, saute it and than add whatever sauce you like.  My favorite Tofu recipe is Curried Tofu and Onions.  Check out our post  ‘How to prepare Tofu Effortlessly“.   1/2 cup tofu is 20 grams protein.

5. Hummus

This is one of my favorite snack foods and one that doesn’t taste like a “diet food.” Instead of using creamy ranch, cheese dips or mayo, hummus is a healthy alternative. Three and a half ounces has about eight ounces of protein.

Anymore non-based animal product, protein foods that you eat?

GIVEAWAY TIME!

As promised we are having our weekly giveaway (some exceptions may apply) to learn more about soy products. The giveaway is $50 to your Sports Authority.  Yipeeee…..$50 to start you on to a super healthy 2012!

To enter:

All you have to do is re-tweet this blog post.

Or you can copy and paste this tweet:

@GirlGetStrong New Years Resolution Getting Enough Soy Protein in 2012 http://bit.ly/ySt7F2 #SoySimple

Super important to use the #SoySimple hashtag or your entry will not count!

A weekly winner will be chosen from Random.org You have until Jan 8, 2011 (midnight PST) to complete your entry.

You could be next, so get tweeting. Good luck!

Make sure to enter our other awesome giveaway….Workout Gear Giveaway!  You choose the style, color and size from Mondetta Gear!

Contest is only open to U.S. residents, 18 years of age and older. One entry, per person, per contest.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Solae. The opinions expressed by me do not necessarily reflect the view of the Solae.