Li'l help needed.....going vegetarian.

I decided today to become vegetarian (long, creepy story).

Anyway, back when I was a poor college student (before I was a poor non-college student), I lived off Ramen noodles, and found that without the protein in meat, I could barely get out of bed. So I'm looking for good protein substitutes just so I don't fall asleep in the middle of the day.

I know beans are good, and I'm going to start living off Boca burgers (again), but I was wondering if anyone else had ideas as to good protein sources. Thanks.

your lack of energy. Eating mostly Ramen noodles will put you into all sorts of nutritional deficiences. Animal protein is not ideal, actually, except for eggs. Plant protein is generally more bio-available, and comes packaged with far more nutrition than animal protein. So I do not think it was simply lack of animal protein that caused your symptoms, general lack of proper nutrition caused your symptoms.

I hear this a lot, actually. I've actually had people tell me, "I can't be a vegetarian. I tried once, I ate rice and chips and soda, and I felt horrible!" Of course they felt horrible, their diet was horrible!

A vegetarian diet is just like any other diet, including a diet with meat in it: bad foods will make you feel like crap, good foods will make you feel good. This is a universal rule and applies to everyone whether or not your diet contains meat or other animal products.

But, to answer your question anyway, you're right, beans are excellent sources of protein and when combined with brown rice form one of the most ideal proteins you can get. Soy is a complete protein (tofu, tempeh, miso, and plenty of other things contain soy these days), as well as millet (a tasty grain). Whole grains are generally very good sources of protein, as are eggs and to a lesser extent dairy (for those who are not vegan). Spirulina, a seaweed, has more digestible protein than any other food on the planet. Nuts and seeds, and imitation meat products, are also high in protein.

Whether you're trying to become vegetarian or not, I would suggest taking a good quality multiple vitamin from a trusted local natural food store, not from GNC or Walgreens or anything. That is most likely what was causing your fatigue.

Good luck, and if you have any further questions I'll be happy to answer them for you. :)

You answered my question right there. Thanks a lot, man!


Going to the health food store tomorrow for spirulina and brown rice....


Really appreciate it, people!

Thanks.

I've taken a ton of notes from there.

I just recommended to someone on another thread. "Beginners Guide" from Vegetarian Times is a great book. It gives you great info about all kinds of foods. I've had my copy on almost perpetual loan for years. I get it back and someone asks about vegetarianism again.

It takes awhile to get used to, but after that it comes very easily. Congrats on your decision.:)

Thanks!