Beyond Tofu: 6 Vegetarian Sources of Protein

Almonds. Photo Credit: SXC.HU

I talk about food and nutrition with my friends and family quite often. The most popular question I'm asked is "How in the heck do you get enough protein in your diet since you're vegetarian?"

Well, since I don't eat meat or seafood, I look to natural plant-based sources of protein. I also consume dairy products since I'm not a vegan.

Why is it important?
Protein is essential for skin, bone, muscle and organ health according to the Mayo Clinic, so I try to make sure I get enough in my diet each day.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends women ages 19-70 consume 46 grams of protein each day. (For other age groups, click HERE and scroll down.)

6 Vegetarian Sources of Protein

1. Greek yogurt: I enjoy eating Chobani Greek Yogurt for breakfast or as a snack. One 6 ounce single-serve container contains 13-18 grams of protein. (Source: Chobani)
2. Nuts: One of my favorite go-to snacks is lightly salted almonds. I also use them to make flourless brownies and thicken smoothies. One-fourth cup of almonds contains 7.62 grams of protein--that's more than an egg, according to The World's Healthiest Foods.  (Source: The World's Healthiest Foods)
3. Beans: 1 cup of dry beans (uncooked) contains approximately 16 grams of protein. Use them to make bean burritos, bean soup or baked beans. (Source: CDC)
4. Lentils: I use lentils to make everything from faux burgers and meatloaf to soup and cold salads. These little powerhouses pack almost 18 grams of protein in each cup of cooked lentils. (Source: The World's Healthiest Foods)
5. Rice: Whole grain brown rice isn't only rich in fiber and minerals, it's also a great source of protein. Each cup of uncooked rice contains 5 grams of protein. Mix the rice with beans and seasoning for a protein-packed entree. (Source: The World's Healthiest Foods)
6. Seeds: I also enjoy snacking on sunflower seeds. Try sprinkling them on a salad or blended into a rich butter to spread on sandwiches. Just 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds adds 7.27 grams of protein to your diet. (Source: The World's Healthiest Foods)

How do you add non-meat protein to your diet?

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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How to Eat Flax Seed

Whole Flax Seed.

Photo courtesy Rumun999, Wikipedia Commons.

I love listening to Dr. Oz, The Doctors and health segments on the morning news. But, sometimes they talk about eating things I've never heard of.

Last year someone mentioned the health benefits of flax seed. The first thing that came to mind were the seeds in my pet bird's food bowl. Aren't seeds bird food? Now, a year later, I can't imagine not adding flax seed to my meals and baking endeavors. Here's why!

The Benefits of Flax Seed
Milled flax seeds aid in digestion (um, keeps you regular), helps lower cholesterol and may decrease your risk of heart attack, according to the Mayo Clinic. To get the full benefit of flax seeds, eat them milled or ground. Whole seeds can be difficult to digest, and pass through your system without breaking down. Flax seed oil is also beneficial, but doesn't contain the same amount of fiber found in seeds.

How to Eat Flax

• Stir a tablespoon of milled flax seed into a bowl of oatmeal.
• Add a sprinkle of ground flax seed to a fruit smoothie to give it a nutty flavor.
• Mix milled flax seed into bread dough, oatmeal cookie dough or whole wheat pizza dough.
• Use flax seed oil in homemade salad dressing.

How do you incorporate flax seed into your diet? 

Please share your tips and tricks in the comments below.

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

PS: Flax seed oil is also fabulous for skin care.  

Benefits and Uses of Flax Oil for Youthful Skin
The Facts About Flaxseed Oil for Healthy Skin

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