Hey. I got on the bandwagon with the chicks up for a challenge who are giving up something for Lent. I've decided to eat only fruits and vegetables for 40 days. I'm also taking a multivitamin since I know I'm not getting the nutrients I normally would from the other food groups. So that's my situation right now.

My question is how can I get more protein in my diet. I did a search on the topic and read some good general information. However, since I'm not doing meat (including eggs), dairy, or grains, I'm pretty much left with just beans. So, I'm turning to all you veggie people. If anyone has any suggestions I would really appreciate it.

Whether you are cooking them or not, the best way to get the most out of a veggie/fruit-only diet is to incorperate as much leafy greens as possible. Also, lentils are FULL of fiber and protein. I mean, as long as you aren't living off of bananas and avocados, you should be ok Good luck!

Oh yeah, lentils. That's a great suggestion; thanks. I never really had them growing up, so I don't really think about it when I'm out shopping. I'll be getting more groceries this week though and they'll be on the list.

Other than lentils you can also do all bean-related things... you know how chinese restaurants offer things with bean curd? It's tofu! Tofu is a non-dairy alternative with plenty of protein - if you cook it in some kind of sauce, it usually takes on the flavor of the sauce quite easy...I'll throw some olive oil in a non-stick pan with fresh mushrooms, cook, then add some soy sauce for flavor as it's in the last phase of cooking... and beans are great for you too. You can throw them in a salad or cook them, or have them as a base for soup. Leafy greens are also really good for you... broccoli has protein as well I believe. Spinach is great for iron. Us women need to make sure we have enough of that!

Good luck with your goals!

JP

Grains (especially quinoa), legumes, seeds, nuts and green leafy veggies are great sources of protein!

Hi--

Soy comes in all kinds of forms. Tofu is great as are edamame (the actual soy beans). Also miso as a base for soup. There are loads of soy-based products now like soy milk, soy cheese, etc. that are much better than they were when I went vegan 8 years ago. There are also a lot of packaged vegan products like Boca Burgers or fake meats (though many of them have wheat in them).

Good luck!

As long as you aren't allergic--
nuts, seeds and nut butters
I do natural peanut butter and a sliced banana on a Lifestream flax waffle for a nice breakfast.

Tempeh--pan fry in a small amount of oil, slice and serve with any pasta or grain

Baked potatoes

Soy milk

congrats on the weight loss