| When people first consider becoming a vegetarian, or | | | | spanish style main dish. There are many different |
| simply eating less meat, they are almost always | | | | kinds of beans and many recipes to try. |
| concerned about whether they are going to be able | | | | - Grains- cereals such as oats and barley are rich |
| to get enough protein in their diets. Even if they are | | | | sources of protein. |
| not concerned about that, it is bound to come up | | | | - Quinoa- this ancient grain is one of the only plant |
| from well meaning friends and family members. | | | | based foods that actually has all of the essential |
| It is important to know that you can get sufficient | | | | amino acids. It is a complete source of protein all on |
| amounts of protein without eating meat. | | | | it's own. |
| Protein is made up of 20 different amino acids and 8 | | | | - Soy products- these days a vegan isn't limited to |
| of them are essential for life. Plants all are made up in | | | | tofu. Look for TVP (textured vegetable protein), |
| part, with amino acids. They just might not | | | | miso, edemame, soy nuts, soy milk, and a huge |
| necessarily have all 8. So it is important to eat a | | | | variety of meat-like products made from soy. |
| variety of plant foods every day in order to get | | | | Some vegetarians still consume products that come |
| your fill of protein. | | | | from animals, while choosing not to eat the flesh of |
| Here are some vegan sources of protein. | | | | living creatures. These people also find good sources |
| - Raw Veggies- 1/2 cup of the kinds of raw | | | | of protein in eggs, and dairy products like milk, |
| vegetables you might find served with ranch dip at a | | | | cheese and yogurt. |
| house party have about 2 grams of protein. | | | | No matter what you've been told, it is not difficult to |
| - Cooked veggies- 1 cup has about 2 grams. | | | | get adequate amounts of protein from plant based |
| - Beans- beans and legumes have lots of protein. | | | | diets. Follow this simple rule. Eat a wide variety of |
| Don't just think "baked beans" though. Make some | | | | foods every day, and choose from all color of the |
| hummus, or a mexican bean dip, have a bean tortilla | | | | rainbow, and different textures. |
| or some chili, or what about a 3 bean salad. Beans | | | | You can be vegetarian, and be healthier than ever! |
| and rice with tomatoes and spices make a great | | | | |