100 lb. Club - Do you know the difference in COMPLETE Protein & IMCOMPLETE Protein?

I just learned something today while searching the net, trying to learn about protein, how much to eat, from what foods, and etc. Most of you probaly already know this, but I did not.

I found out that there is such a thing as Complete & Incomplete protein. Complete protein is what you want to eat. Take a look at the following link to learn more. Very interesting for those of us trying to increase our protein for weight loss. I am going to aim at increasing my protein daily and strive for complete protein, with the right combination of foods. Wish me luck!

Especially us vegetarians, need to know this! :p

http://www.bodyforlife2.com/incompletprotein.htm

Yep :) Most vegetables don't have all the amino acids necessary to be a "complete" protein (exceptions are grains like quinoa and tef). That's why so many cultures feature dishes like beans and rice - a natural way to get complete proteins!

Also, it is not necessary (as vegetarians were once advised) to combine incomplete proteins in order to make a complete protein at everymeal or even every day. It's been shown to be unnecessary, as long as you're getting the full complement of amino acids in your diet as a whole (So if you had rice on Tuesday and beans on Friday, you're still getting your complete proteins in your diet, just not on the same day, which is still fine).

I follow a vegan diet and don't worry about complete vs incomplete proteins. It just basically means that whatever individual food doesn't contain all the amino acids that your body needs. Our body can make many amino acids but not all. Which is why we need a varied diet.

Certain grains, quinoa and amaranth, for example are complete proteins as well as soy beans are complete proteins. Other foods such as bananas, spinach, brown rice, lentils, etc all have protein.

Leafy greens have the highest percentage of protein by weight but you have to eat a lot of leafy greens to get a lot of protein. They are a great addition to your diet though if you don't already eat them. Almost everything vegetable based has SOME protein, just some things have more than others.

I've read a lot about vegan athletes and body builders and their diets and they aren't too different than my own. Basically a varied, whole foods diet.