Protein Posse

The biggest question I'm faced with when anyone finds out I don't eat dairy or meat is, where do you get your protein? Most people might think, "tofu must be the only thing you eat!" False. In actuality I rarely eat tofu, though it does pair well in stir fry's!
    First let's figure out what protein is and why we need it. Not to go all Bill Nye the science guy  but basically protein is made up of large molecules consisting of amino acids that our bodies need to function properly. Meat and dairy are not the only sources of protein although they are probably the most well known.
   Just 1 cup of cooked lentils (sort of like beans) contains 18 grams of protein! Lentils are great in tacos, soups, and stews. Another great protein option is something that has become popular, a little thing called Quinoa! It is a complete protein and exceptionally delicious as oatmeal in the morning, on salads at lunch, or in stuffed peppers for dinner.

   Other great plant base protein options:

• Almonds; 1/4 cup = 7.5 grams
• Peanut Butter; 2 Tbsp = 7 grams
• Oats; 1 cup = 7 grams
• Brown Rice 1 cup = 9 grams
• Chickpeas; 1 cup = 15 grams
• Tofu; 1 cup = 20 grams
• Sunflower Seeds; 1/4 cup = 7 grams
• Spinach; 1 cup = 5 grams
• Lentils; 1 cup = 17 grams

Just to name a few of course! So in short I have no problem finding protein to eat on a daily basis, truthfully I eat more protein s a vegan then I ever did with meat or dairy!