Where do YOU get your Protein?

As a vegetarian, this is the most common question I get asked.  "So, where do you get your protein from?".  And let me be honest... as I transitioned into vegetarianism, I actually did my homework.  I am a teacher after all :)  I changed my eating lifestyle to be healthy so when I did it, I learned what vegetarians most commonly lack and how I could make sure that I would not become deficient,  I've learned that people think that just because you don't eat meat, then you aren't getting enough protein.  When in fact, I get more than enough!

Well let me know you where I get my protein from:

Soymilk
Tofu
Beans
Legumes
Quinoa
Seeds
Whole Grains
Broccoli
Potatoes
Peas
Spinach...  


I mean, I could go on a on.  Did you know that too much protein could be a bad thing?  Check out this website on that topic: Here  And just a little tidbitty for ya- 100 calories of spinach has MORE protein in it than 100 calories of steak.  Yea, you heard me right!   Google it!

I guess I don't really understand why people care so much about where I'm getting my nutrients from.  All I can say is that I've done my research and I feel great since making this change.  In fact, if you're following a strict diet and not eating enough or you eat a lot of junk, you are likely to be protein deficient.  Here's some more info:


According to LiveStrong.com...LiveStrong
Individuals who do not eat enough food to meet their energy needs due to illness or dieting are likely to be deficient in protein, as are those who consume primarily junk food and protein-poor foods such as fruit, sugar, fat and alcohol. Someone who relies only on a single source of protein or very few sources may also become deficient in one or more essential amino acids. Consumption of a variety of protein-rich grains, legumes and nuts is necessary to ensure a healthful vegetarian diet, especially for strict vegans.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/60597-protein-deficiency-risk-vegetarian-diet/#ixzz1mVMIFP7f

I will leave you with some amazing food I've made this week.  Enjoy!

Toasted quinoa with broccoli, carrots, potatoes, and squash

After yoga lunch: stir-fried veggies with BBQ tofu and leftover coconut rice

As you can see, I am trying to use up my broccoli and carrots :)

Sicilian Swiss Chard over Quinoa

I made this for dinner tonight after getting inspiration from Pinterest.  It's a Vegetarian Times recipe.  You can get it Here.  I did add some mushrooms and tofu, and swapped the pine nuts for unsalted sunflower seeds, but otherwise I followed the recipe.  The recipe had wonderful flavor; salty, sweet, hot, crunchy, nutty...  YUM!  My husband loved it and we will definitely be making it again.  The next time however, I will use less red pepper flakes.  This is one of those meals that makes you feel good when you eat it and I sure like that!

So, where do you get your protein???   ;)

Peace, Love, and Veggies my friends!