Hey everyone,

Although I'm not a vegetarian, I'm currently living in a community that doesn't allow meat to be stored, cooked, or consumed on the property. Since lean meats have been a major source of protein for me, this poses a problem.

Unfortunately, I don't like tofu or tempeh (lord knows I've tried - I've eaten lots of both, prepared in many ways), and one can only eat so many beans. Can you guys suggest other veg-friendly protein sources?



Jaclyn

I highly recommend looking into a vegan cookbook such as vegan with a vengeance or veganomicon. They will help you get ideas. I rarely eat tempeh and I eat tofu maybe once a week, but usually when I eat out.

There are also a large variety of legumes including beans and lentils. You can cook them in a variety of ways.

Veggies are a protein source and there are also lots of grains that are good sources of protein.

Hey are you at an intentional community or ashram?

If so, I think the best recommendations for foods would come from fellow community members who know what is available locally and what tastes best etc.

If you don't want to eat beans, lentils, whole grains (especially quinoa), vegetables like broccoli and spinach, then how about a protein powder? Hemp protein powder is awesome and Kashi GoLean shakes make good smoothies.

I live in an intentional community. I lived here for two years previously (2004-2006), moved out for a year, and am now in the process of moving back in. I wasn't in anyway attempting to eat a balanced diet the first time around, so the food wasn't such an issue then. I did go out a few times a week to eat meat.

I love quinoa - had NO IDEA it was a good source of protein! I'll look through the cookbooks on the house shelf and see what I can find. I think the protein powder/smoothie thing is a good idea too.

Thanks y'all!

I don't want to seem stupid but I've heard about these communities lately can someone explain what they are.

huh ive never heard of it, interesting, ive got something to look up.

Nelie, I love your mottos! Those are awesome!

Might seem like an obvious reply, but have you tried any of the meat substitutes that are premade like tofu dogs, pepperoni, or veggie burgers? I know a few people who don't care for tofu, but with ketchup would down a tofu dog just fine, or even ooh and ahh over the veggie burgers? These are usually pretty expensive, but you could make your own veggie burgers for cheap....haven't tried making pepperoni or tofu dogs myself!

If tofu is extremely gross to you, I usually find people who don't care for tofu will not even notice it is there if it is cooked into something like a lasagna or enchiladas.