Question:
Any one vegetarian out there? What do you do for protein?

can eat but don't care for meats or fish. can't stand protien drinks. 5 months out and 60 lbs down. feel great but running out of options. any other veggies out there? janis the va. girl    — janis T. (posted on April 19, 2001)

April 19, 2001
There are a few things you can do to get in your protein without protein drinks. Here is a web site that might help in your search for simple answers http://www.geocities.com/nutriflip/veg_diet.htm another suggestion is to get a small book that is a protein counter and the other suggestion I have would be to get some Brewers Yeast because it is a very good source of Protein. I hope this helps.
   — BOK

April 19, 2001
I used to be a Vegetarian for about 5 years. When I was one, I had peanuts, as in peanut butter! Lots of PB and J's. One way to add protein to something that normally doesn't have protein in it such as broccolli, and carrots, etc.. Stir-fry veggies in a lightly oiled wok, Peanut oiled that is. Just a tad though. For tofu, add some soy sauce, to it for flavor. The tofu and soy sauce are all sources of protein. Tofu is an accuired taste. But it is like a sponge. It soaks up all that it is cooked with, so if you like garlic... have at it! Plus, tofu is easily digestable. For fake meat... try Falafel. Very good veggie chili... with beans and 'soy meat'. Falafel is a real good source of protein, and so are beans. Kidney beans pack the most protein.. garbonzo beans have a high amount too. For the sweet tooth, find a good recipie for peanut butter cookies. Instead of using butter, use applesauce. Getting a good diabetic cookbook would help too, for sugar substitutes. These are all questions that a good nutritionist could answer as well, I am sure they would have more ideas. I hope these help.
   — [Anonymous]

April 19, 2001
I am a vegetarian and get my protiens from beans (kidney beans, baked beans, black beans, etc.), eggs, cottage cheese, low-fat cheeses like ricotta an mozarella. Peanut Butter is a good source of protein, but beware the fat content - same with the cheeses. Soy hot dogs and burgers taste just like the real thing and offer great protein. Some vegetarians (like myself - over 16 years a vegetarian now) supplement their proteins poorly. They just simply cut out meats and live on carbohydrates, vegetables and fruits. Some get protein from dairy like me and others cut out dairy as well. I think that by having done this I have put my body in a state of carbohydrate addiction which is a primary factor in my obesity. After surgery, when I have only a pouch to fill, I plan on doing it the right way - with lots of high protein foods like beans and cheeses. It will take some getting used to, but with the WLS tool I hope it will be easier. Good Luck!
   — Laura B.

April 22, 2001
I am a vegetarian and get my protein from tofu, beans, cheese, eggbeaters, soy burgers and chix nuggets, etc. Because I can't seem to eat enough from foods to get my daily requirement, I do have one protein drink each day. There are many recipes for entrees at Fatfree.com, the veggie website. I suggest you check it out. Also, become creative! Add soy burgers to stews, soups or pasta. Make a pate from soy hot dogs and serve with fat free crackers. Make roll ups from pita bread by adding hummus and veggies. Make mac and cheese with fat free cheese and cottage cheese. Good luck. Hope I gave you some hints. Anne
   — Anne W.