So, I wanted to cut back on my sodium intake, because it had been way too high, and I have successfully done this by cutting back on processed foods like Boca burgers and my favorite Morningstar buffalo wings (I'm a vegetarian). In doing so, however, I have also lost a major source of protein, and now I'm not getting enough. Anybody have any suggestions for vegetarian, low-sodium, high-protein foods?
Well, legumes (lentils, kidney beans, chick peas...) and nuts are high in protein, but with the nuts you have to watch the sodium intake. You have the soy stuff too, tempe and whatnot. I know quinoa has a higher protein content, but I haven't ever tried it before...couldn't tell you anything about the taste. Some whole grain breads are high in protein too, don't know if you're counting carbs or anything though.
Maybe consider having a smoothie w/ some protein powder in the morning? I see a thread on whey protein not too far down from your post... If you make a smoothie with lots of tasty fruit, some yogurt, maybe a splash of orange juice, (and I always toss in a packet of stevia) you won't even know the protein powder is in there.
I don't like tofu or tempeh, but I hear some veg-heads eat a lot of that stuff.
Edamame, if you can find it. Soy beans are kind of fatty even though they're low in calories, so don't sit and eat a bucket of them at a time just because they're veggies. I also buy my own tofu (it's always in the veggie section where they keep bagged lettuce and egg roll wraps) and just cook it up the way I want. Other than that, start stocking up on raw nuts and beans! Black bean soup has a lot of protein and fiber, and with some cilantro lime rice.. mmmm!
I don't know if you've completely sworn off animal products, but I don't eat much meat and instead of using that for protein, I just drink whole milk with every meal. You might need to start doing that, or drinking soy milk with every meal. I also drink these whey protein shakes my husband makes. It's GNC chocolate flavored whey protein powder, a banana, ice cubes, and a cup of water in a blender. They aren't that bad! Another one we like is Boltinghouse Farms (I think???) sells a really good coffee-flavored cold drink called Simply Protein that I really like. It's always in the organic section by the Green Machine and POM juices. It's 19g of protein per 8 oz serving.
Last edited by NishKitten; 07-23-2008 at 01:23 PM.
Maybe you could try cottage cheese. In just a 1/2 cup you can get over 25% of your daily protein requirement. It does have a moderate amount of sodium, but it's still healthier than processed foods like boca burgers. I usually spruce mine up with a little splenda or mandarin oranges to make it tastier.
Also, breakfast foods like Egg Beaters, Quaker Weight Control Oatmeal, and Kashi cereals have a lot of protein as well.
Has anyone heard of the protein bar called Elev8te me....max 230 calories, 27 grams of protein, based out of PEI a family business, all fair trade products. You can buy them by the case on line, or at some health food stores. They are great, low fat hi fibre all the good stuff. No hydrogenated products you can't even pronounce.
If you want more info let me know ....good stuff they sell them at our gym but I buy them by the case of 18 for much cheaper.
My mom really likes quinoa, so I might give that a shot. Also, I love smoothies, so I might try adding protein powder. I do love tofu, I just don't really know how to cook it. Will have to look into that...
Tofu is great with almost everything. If you look up some asian recipes... you can make tofu soup with eggs, too. "fried rice" with tofu, tofu casserole... Actually I saw a lot of tofu recipes on vegetarian forum...
Need more protein
you just have to scroll down further 
