Practical Vegetable Protein Sources

[wantonebad]

Hi guys,
Thought I would ask this question of our esteemed membership considering we all have expertise in so many different areas. I'm looking for some alternate sources of lean protein, preferably vegetable based, that I can add to smoothies and to meals. I'm not going vegan, or swearing off whey or soy but men should really go easy with their soy intake as it can mess with estrogen levels. Whey protein has it's own set of drawbacks that I would like to avoid. I've been using a combination of Hemp and Amaranth proteins and they are good, but I'd love another source that's maybe a bit cheaper, Hemp protein powder is crazy expensive, and Amaranth is so esoteric healthfood stores can charge whatever they want..

[azguy]

There's protein in quinoa, cottage cheese and beans for your meals. Shakes will be much harder. Have you looked at almond milk for protein content and make you own shakes with that

Peanut butter can be added to the shake along with yogurt to continue to boost the protein level.

This is my after workout drink:

http://www.gnc.com/GNC-Pro-Performan...670596.2108309

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by azguy

There's protein in quinoa, cottage cheese and beans for your meals. Shakes will be much harder. Have you looked at almond milk for protein content and make you own shakes with that

Peanut butter can be added to the shake along with yogurt to continue to boost the protein level.

This is my after workout drink:

http://www.gnc.com/GNC-Pro-Performan...670596.2108309

Thanks John, you're right about Almond milk I forgot about that, I even used to make my own almond milk with the Vitamix, I may have to start that again. I try to stay away from the GNC stuff, not because it's bad, I just don't know every ingredient and some of those powders can sneak cake flour in as an ingredient by calling it something innocuous that you'd never suspect. The last thing my spare tire needs is cake flour...

[Ed Rooney]

Instead of getting sugary, fruity greek yogurt, try mixing a bit of your protein powder into plain greek yogurt.

[s14roller]

Pea protein may be an option.

May I ask why you are against whey protein? It's one of the most commonly used and safe/proven sources out there.

From everything I have come across (and have a few friends in this field working on R&D) there hasn't been anything to note that would suggest any adverse effects.

Maybe also take a look on pubmed, as I'm sure there have been research papers done on the subject vs. what someone wrote on the internet.

I have a Sports Nutrition book sponsored by the American Dietetic Association and written by a PhD, RD, for wellness and nutritionists on my desk. Turned to the whey section and their conclusion is that protein supps are neither worse or better than food proteins, and for healthy people, this is safe (by healthy, they mean people without kidney or liver disease).

[s14roller]

Originally Posted by Ed Rooney

Instead of getting sugary, fruity greek yogurt, try mixing a bit of your protein powder into plain greek yogurt.

Greek yogurt is a good idea. I forgot in my previous post, but Barilla plus (or protein plus) might be something to look at also. It has 10g of protein for 2 oz uncooked, or 17g for 3.5oz uncooked.

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by s14roller

Pea protein may be an option.

May I ask why you are against whey protein? It's one of the most commonly used and safe/proven sources out there.

From everything I have come across (and have a few friends in this field working on R&D) there hasn't been anything to note that would suggest any adverse effects.

Maybe also take a look on pubmed, as I'm sure there have been research papers done on the subject vs. what someone wrote on the internet.

I have a Sports Nutrition book sponsored by the American Dietetic Association and written by a PhD, RD, for wellness and nutritionists on my desk. Turned to the whey section and their conclusion is that protein supps are neither worse or better than food proteins, and for healthy people, this is safe (by healthy, they mean people without kidney or liver disease).

I'm not denigrating whey in any way, (whey, way ) I'm just seeking alternate sources of protein. When I said it had it's own drawbacks I was referring to my personal digestive system, not that whey was bad. I apologize if that's how it sounded.

[SearChart]

Nuts and beans?

[s14roller]

Originally Posted by wantonebad

I'm not denigrating whey in any way, (whey, way ) I'm just seeking alternate sources of protein. When I said it had it's own drawbacks I was referring to my personal digestive system, not that whey was bad. I apologize if that's how it sounded.

Ah, no worries, I just didn't know if you had thought it was unsafe for some reason.

So with digestive system, I have heard of others that have similar. My reco would be to try an isolate, I know of people that couldn't digest the regular ones but did wonderful on the isolate types. Try half a serving first, mix with 50% water and 50% unsweetened almond milk.

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by s14roller

Ah, no worries, I just didn't know if you had thought it was unsafe for some reason.

So with digestive system, I have heard of others that have similar. My reco would be to try an isolate, I know of people that couldn't digest the regular ones but did wonderful on the isolate types. Try half a serving first, mix with 50% water and 50% unsweetened almond milk.

Thank you will keep that in mind, still looking for alternate sources though, preferably vegetable based.

[Manofsteelpt]

How about Rice protein powder? Though it's not complete, mixed w ur hemp, it will complete the protein source and ud be GTG.

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by Manofsteelpt

How about Rice protein powder? Though it's not complete, mixed w ur hemp, it will complete the protein source and ud be GTG.

Interesting, what do you mean "complete"? As in the combination has more then just the sum of the individual parts?

[Manofsteelpt]

"Complete" meaning it contains all the essential amino acids... Meats, fishes, eggs, beans and some veggies are complete. Rice is not complete, but mixed w the hemp, it would complete the AA chain.

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by Manofsteelpt

"Complete" meaning it contains all the essential amino acids... Meats, fishes, eggs, beans and some veggies are complete. Rice is not complete, but mixed w the hemp, it would complete the AA chain.

That's what I thought, thanks

[Manofsteelpt]

Basically what you said... The combo of the 2 will complete it. Like each one is 1/2 a circle, put them together and u get a whole circle.

[Manofsteelpt]

Originally Posted by wantonebad

That's what I thought, thanks

You're welcome.

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by Manofsteelpt

Basically what you said... The combo of the 2 will complete it. Like each one is 1/2 a circle, put them together and u get a whole circle.

I actually like the idea of combining three, the Hemp, Rice and Pea, I think that with eating correctly will get me to where I want to be!!

Thanks guys!!

I really appreciate this!!

[azguy]

I would think Almond Milk, peanut butter and banana's would make an awesome shake.

Call it the Elvis

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by azguy

I would think Almond Milk, peanut butter and banana's would make an awesome shake.

Call it the Elvis

The problem is I already resemble 1976 Elvis...

[Chewbacca]

marc,

if you're not weight training, a cup of raw unsalted almonds or even 1 tbsp of peanut butter is good enough every 6 hrs. even sunflower seeds to munch on. there's a tendency to over do it with protein and the human body can only process so much. if you're not hitting weights, you're probably getting enough with a balanced diet including fish and poultry. i also wouldn't go off animal protein altogether unless its for personal reasons. there's a reason humans have a balanced set of pearly whites. you'll be 60's Elvis in 90 days.

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

marc,

if you're not weight training, a cup of raw unsalted almonds or even 1 tbsp of peanut butter is good enough every 6 hrs. even sunflower seeds to munch on. there's a tendency to over do it with protein and the human body can only process so much. if you're not hitting weights, you're probably getting enough with a balanced diet including fish and poultry. i also wouldn't go off animal protein altogether unless its for personal reasons. there's a reason humans have a balanced set of pearly whites. you'll be 60's Elvis in 90 days.

Thanks,
No worries, not going off animal protein, just looking for morning alternate sources and I won't be using it but once a day. I'm trying to reinvent my breakfast basically and protein is key whether you are trying to gain weight or lose it JMHO

[GradyPhilpott]

Nutritional yeast is the most complete protein available.

Mixed with orange juice, it is extremely delicious.

http://redstaryeast.com/science-yeas...itional-yeast/

I buy it in bulk at Whole Foods Market.

[smak]

Is there a ratio of protein/fat/carb you are aiming for?

There are complete proteins, but so long as you are not solely consuming protein powder, the balance of your diet is likely covering the spread. Eat varied.

I am no expert, but have found my comfort zone of what works for me and swear by Vega One powder supplement when I am working harder than my eating habits can afford me.

It's not a protein powder per say, but a great fuel for your body to get at least a some of every last mineral and vitamin it might want. also pea protein primarily, but hemp etc.. also.

Although its hotly debated, overdoing protein is a danger to keep in mind. monster builders like Arnold have long advocated .5g per lbs when already lean. of course he is not endorsed by any highly profitable protein powder company either.

Mind over matter, keep at your goal of overall health and ignore those who impede your progress.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by wantonebad

Thanks,
No worries, not going off animal protein, just looking for morning alternate sources and I won't be using it but once a day. I'm trying to reinvent my breakfast basically and protein is key whether you are trying to gain weight or lose it JMHO

you are 100% correct. stay off the beige and you'll shed pounds.

my go-to brekky is either an egg white skillet (slow AM) or 1 tbsp peanut butter with 2 cups unsweetened soy milk, 1 tbsp nescafe instant coffee and 1 tsp nutella in a blender.

its real good and under 500cal

other thing to consider is NO caffeine after 12 noon. caffein messes with your metabolism. also no refined sugars. when your blood sugar drops, you'll eat almost anything and boom, 80's elvis again.

[wantonebad]

So this is what I do, morning frap:

Handful of fresh spinach handful of kale/collards/swiss-chard, one apple, one knob of Tumeric root 4 oz. of water and a scoop of Hemp protein in the Vitamix. That's breakfast. Similar for lunch, maybe add a banana and then have normal dinner. I'm trying to stick with it through the weekdays and on the weekend I figure I'll stick to egg white omelets and salads during the day, and try not to get too mental about dinners.

I'm going to give it a go with the added protein and I should drop a few LB's by the spring which is all I really want.

[azguy]

That combo sounds great

[Touring]

Pea protein. Check out Vega.

[Brunotheboxer]

Not to be that guy but why not just eat lean meat. It won't hurt you.

Edit. Just saw you are looking for breakfast protein specifically. Eat eggs.

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Nutritional yeast is the most complete protein available.

Mixed with orange juice, it is extremely delicious.

http://redstaryeast.com/science-yeas...itional-yeast/

I buy it in bulk at Whole Foods Market.

Thanks Grady, I'll give it a whirl!

Originally Posted by Touring

Pea protein. Check out Vega.

I've actually tried that, it's not cheap though from what I remember?

Originally Posted by Brunotheboxer

Not to be that guy but why not just eat lean meat. It won't hurt you.

Edit. Just saw you are looking for breakfast protein specifically. Eat eggs.

Just looking for ways to eliminate fat from my diet Bruno, I don't box or lift free weights so it takes me a lot longer to burn fat off!!

[Brunotheboxer]

Originally Posted by wantonebad

Thanks Grady, I'll give it a whirl!




I've actually tried that, it's not cheap though from what I remember?



Just looking for ways to eliminate fat from my diet Bruno, I don't box or lift free weights so it takes me a lot longer to burn fat off!!

Animal protein will not make you fat. Too much protein will not make you fat and too much animal fat won't make you fat.

You literally get fat from too much carbs and sugars. You can eat all the lean meat and low carb veggies you want. You won't get fat.

This is based on you exercising moderately. Just do cardio or get out and move.