What do you do for those intense protein cravings??

I'm new to the vegetarian lifestyle. This morning I woke up with such an intense craving for meat/protein. Since my husband is still carniverous, there are things to eat in the fridge. There were some left over tacos that were absolutely driving me crazy. I didn't want to fall off the wagon because I'd be so disappointed in myself. I almost went for it, but will power prevailed. I was able to stave off the craving with some beans and cheese.

Any ideas what to do for those overwhelming cravings??

I always keep hard-boiled eggs in the fridge for moments like those. There are days when I HAVE TO have a lentil-based dish due to the cravings. I don't especially like them, but my daughter likes the protein bars for those moments. The real key is to make sure you are getting enough protein at each meal. I know it is hard.

Lots of protien, fat and salt, so whatever the meat craving's about, you've got it covered. Worked for me back when I was getting meat cravings.

...and they're good for you too :hi:

But I don't feel this as much as I used to. :hi:

Or I'll eat a soy meat substitute like a Boca burger or Chik'n pattie. Then I get the protein and the taste/texture of meat without actually cheating. Morningstar Farms makes soy "burger" crumbles you can use like ground hamburger to make tacos, spaghetti with "meat" sauce and other things if you are really craving them.

They taste like real sausage and they are loaded with protein.

I don't know if the Morningstar patties are vegan, but the TJ's ones are. :)

We eat it 'round the clock. :9

typo edit

Well, Boca anything...but I love their bratwurst. Also like Morningstar Farms Corn Dogs.

But, honestly, I don't get protein cravings much.

which works just like ground beef in recipes if you add a little oil. I also did a chili with the same substitute you can add beans if you like but i think beans are sacrilege so I chop up peeled eggplant and squash and some fresh onion. Little cheddar and I have what passes for a' bowl of red' in my book.
Also a fan of the Boca breakfast links wrapped up in a tortilla with various add ins,, Morning star corn dog also hit the spot today!

for advice

At ~30g protein each, 2 of those bad boys (fried with onions & kraut or slapped into some good poppyseed buns) nearly put me into a coma.

I love the Beer Brats for BBQs, too...except that all the meat-eaters keep stealing them, damnit! :) I have to bring 2 packages (8 sausages) just to be sure that I and my veggie wife get enough food at a BBQ.

http://www.tofurky.com/products/sausages.htm

They're not that great if you skimp on the preparation, but in a pinch you can nuke them in the microwave for 1 minute, wrap them in a tortilla, and have 30g protein ready to eat on the go for a quick breakfast. But don't do that! Take the time to broil/fry/toast/BBQ them, and serve with some quality mustard. Or cut the Italian Sausage style ones into diagonal 1/4-inch slices, fry quickly on medium heat, and add to your favorite pasta dish.

Damnit, now I'm hungry....

When I first gave up meat, I ate lots of fake meats. I don't eat so much anymore, though I usually have some in the freezer.

Our grocery stores carry all of these:

http://www.lightlife.com/ourproducts.jsp

http://www.tofurky.com/products.htm


Boca and Morningstar are good too. There's tons of substitutes out there that are better than what they're imitating.

I have been eating out of our garden and ignored everything else and I must have just hit a real low because I smelled fried chicken in the grocery store about lost it. It was intense and surprised me. Thankfully in the deli they had some great looking Mac and cheese. My husband bought an extra chicken strip thinking I might need it but the mac and cheese filled the craving nicely. That chicken strip sat in the fridge and I never even felt tempted. I think I will keep some very quick mac and cheese around just in case this happens again. It was awful feeling like that and thinking I was going to go to the dark side.