Quick easy protein sources?

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   Teresa McGurkposted 16 years ago

   What are some easy sources of protein (not the "shakes" or protein bars they manufacture) that someone who doesn't eat very much meat can find?  Are there any other natural sources like nuts?

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2. 0

   Leta Sposted 16 years ago

   Teresa--
   
   Buckwheat has the highest protein content of any vegetable food.  I know--I dated a Russian/Georgian MD--and they eat a lot of "Kasha" over there. It's actually quite good, if you make it as you would a rice pilaf. 
   
   There's always almonds and cashews, etc., which have a fair amount of protein and Omega 3's, too.

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3. 60

   Teresa McGurkposted 16 years ago

   Buckwheat!  neat.  And a pilaf sounds good.  Yum.  Yeah, I already eat too many nuts, so I'm trying to look for alternatives.  Thanks!

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4. 61

   countrywomenposted 16 years ago

   Teresa- Here is a good link for various vegetarian protein sources. Relax and enjoy your weekend

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      Teresa McGurkposted 16 years agoin reply to this

      thank you!  I am eating more vegetables and fruits than ever before, and feel great.

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   Proud Momposted 16 years ago

   Would these things be the best source of the most iron, as well?

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      countrywomenposted 16 years agoin reply to this

      Proud Mom- Here is a link: http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/iron.htm

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6. 59

   Proud Momposted 16 years ago

   Thanks countrywomen!  Anything that lets me eat black-eyed peas and cornbread as a meal is for me!
   
   One more question--do you know if eating these iron-rich foods would have the same side effects as iron supplements?
   
   Sorry, Teresa.  I didn't mean to forum-jack (is that a word?)

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      countrywomenposted 16 years agoin reply to this

      I always feel for "normal" dietary needs consuming fresh fruits/vegetables gives us sufficient vitamins/minerals(without side effects) unless one has a severe deficiency which needs supplements. Again I am not a Doctor and depending on the individual situation one should follow accordingly.
      
      On a lighter note eating too much beans does have a "unpleasant" foul side effect on others

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      Teresa McGurkposted 16 years agoin reply to this

      It's a word now!  by special decree. and your questions are the right ones -- I was too lazy to ask.

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   Proud Momposted 16 years ago

   hee Hee!!  Love the smiley face!
   
   I just recently found out I am severely anemic.  But I can't stand what iron supplements do.  Perhaps I could take a smaller dose if I supplemented alot of those foods.  Minus the beans, of course... 

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   Edwin Clarkposted 16 years ago

   I prefer all types of jerky, beef, turkey and pork. There's a shop a few miles from me and they smoke the best.
   
   I normally pack a bag of jerky whenever I go on hikes.

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9. 63

   Lisa HWposted 16 years ago

   Because I've always bordered on being a vegetarian (at those times when I was not actually being one), I've relied heavily on the following sources of protein:
   
   Cheese - all kinds, but thinly sliced or in small amounts.
   Eggs - scrambled or boiled or in salad
   Tuna salad
   Occasional shrimp salad
   
   (For me, the above four don't require bread or crackers)
   
   Peanut butter - on whole wheat or multi-grain toast.
   
   Nuts - all kinds (but I love almonds and never eat macadamia's)
   Nut mix snacks offer a little more protein once in a while.
   
   With the soy stuff, I usually like it to go with something else (rather than just it with vegetables and potato, for example - although I do that too).
   
   Soy "burgers" (mushroom are good, but any variety is microwaveable or can be cooked in a pan with a little non-stick spray)
   Soy "hot dogs"
   Soy "cold cuts" ("fake" salami or ham)
   Soy bacon - cooked in a pan
   Soy sausage links or patties (good for adding to wraps with something like lettuce, provolone cheese, a half-sour pickle, and maybe dressing, mayo, or mustard)
   
   
   They're all easy to add to the diet.  Most can be served other things (including vegetables of all kinds, noodles, whole grain breads or pasta).  Celery, black olives, and olive oil can do a lot - like tuna with black olives, olive oil, and seasoning (and maybe a little feta cheese).  I slice up the fake hot dogs and put them on crackers for lunch.  The same with the soy cold cuts; although they go well in a sandwich with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and whatever else seems like a good idea.  The fake cold cuts wrapped in lettuce wraps with cheese can be good.
   
   Other than throwing in the very occasional protein shake of some sort, that's about it for where I get my protein.
   
   None of it's gourmet, but I don't care about gourmet - only easy and edible. 

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10. 60

    Teresa McGurkposted 16 years ago

    Thanks, Lisa -- this all sounds great.  I'm already doing some of it, and like you, I prefer quick and easy meals. . .

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