Question:
Please Help....What can you eat to get.....

your protein in if you are a vegetarian? Even my dietician was at a loss. I don't eat chicken or fish either. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated as my surgery is on Wednesday! Thanks!    — TP (posted on August 3, 2002)

August 3, 2002
I would try soy based products, the cheese and such. I've tried Boca burgers those are good, also there is a huge selection of other meat free products in the freezer section made by Garden Burger or Morning Star.
   — stacjean

August 3, 2002
I do eat all dairy by the way!
   — TP

August 3, 2002
I eat cheese, veggie burgers they have alot of protein,nuts, beans,peanut butter,cottage cheese that is just some of the things I can think of now my dietian gave me alot of small things that you wouldn't even think has protein I'll get my book out if uou want more suggestions. Just email me [email protected]
   — Bonnie S.

August 3, 2002
Beans are good especially black beans pinto kidney beans also they have protein supplements at GNC and a big varitie of protien bars and shakes. STRING CHEESE IS GREAT. sTAY AWAY FROM THE CHEDDARS AND AMERICAN THERE HIGH IN FAT BE CAREFULL IT BEST TO LOOOK FOR NON FAT PRODUCTS.
   — sheri B.

August 3, 2002
I try hard to get most of my protein from OTHER than animal sources except some eggs and low fat cheese. Everyone has said it,.. veggie burgers. Also the many companies who make these make many varieties and many things like riblets, hot dogs, there is even a ground beef like product to use, and there is all kind of sausage... so many different things. <br> I also try to get tofu and egg whites into most things I'm eating if its possible. I make fake enchiladas and fake tamale pie.. I put tofu and egg whites into both of them and use the various meatless products. <br> Don't forget beans, but watch the carbo count on them. I make a bean salad that I love without sugar but sweetened with splenda. I still get some protein and some veggies with that. Good luck, write me if I can help. I considered really going completely vegetarian before surgery but I wasn't sure how I'd get my protein in. Cottage cheese too.. low fat is great. Write me if you want to talk things over.
   — Lisa C.

August 3, 2002
I eat a Carb Solutions protein bar for breakfast most mornings. There are 24 grams of protein in one bar and there are several flavors and I think they taste pretty good. I get mine at SAMS, by the case, as it is cheaper that way. Yogurt for lunch, another 8 to 12 grams of protein and a little string cheese, 3 more grams of protein. Supper is a half a cup of low-fat cottage cheese, 14 grams of protein and then a variety of things to get the last 6 to 8 grams of protein in, beans, tofu in a small salad, skim milk in a smoothie or maybe another small piece of cheese. You know what they say, where there's a will, there's a way. When I was newly post-op I used a vegitable broth and made egg drop soup using a fat free egg substitute. There is about 10 grams of protein in a half a cup. Also, try ShariAnn's Organic, Fat Free and Vegitarian soups. They are really good and you can add browned vegi burger to any of them for added protein. I also add the vegi broth for extra flavor and to thin out the soup a little as the Split Pea and the White Bean soups are fairly thick. Just a few more ideas for you, hope it helps.
   — Susan M.

August 3, 2002
Since you do eat dairy, whey is the best source of supplemental nutrition. It's the best absorbed protein source, period. Soy supplements are at #10 on the bio-availability list, rice at the bottom and collagen sources are not even ON my list! The regular veggies sources of protein are down near the bottom of the list, too, such as beans, legumes & nuts (good sources of calcium, though).
   — vitalady