As a vegetarian you may find it hard to find a good source protein or at least find this task harder than a non vegetarian. After all meat is very high in protein and is often the main source of it in the diets of non-vegetarians. But being a vegetarian does not mean that protein should be lacking in your diet. Protein drinks are a very good source for protein but is not recommended unless you are seriously lacking this nutrient and most people do not like to drink supplements and would prefer a natural source of protein instead. But there are many different choices of vegetarian foods that are rich in protein.
Most foods from plants contain protein, it is now said that one of the benefits of a vegetarian diet is that it provides adequate but not excess protein which is a very good thing because a diet with excess protein may lead to health problems. Most foods contain at least some protein but all proteins are not the same because the protein quality is graded. However it is a myth that animal proteins have a tendency to be of higher protein quality.
Peas and beans are two of the best examples of good protein for vegetarians. Some other sources of protein for vegetarians would include seeds and nuts, oat, wheat and rice cereal, pluses, soya products such as soya milk and textured soya protein such as soya mince and also tofu. Soya on its own is high in quality protein. Soya is perhaps the most versatile food option available to vegetarians, it can be delicious if prepared correctly, however if not it has the tendency to taste like cardboard so be sure to follow your recipe correctly and include lots of seasoning. Brown rice, broccoli, porridge and potatoes are also good sources of protein. Apples and carrots also contain protein but should not be the only sources of protein in your diet.
Eggs and dairy products such as milk, cheese and yoghurt are also good sources of protein but some vegetarians do not eat or drink dairy products, these vegetarians are known as vegans and will only consume milk and other dairy-like products if it is made from soya. Peanut butter also falls into the category of foods vegans cannot consume but it is highly recommended for vegetarians as it has a high protein content. Whey products, protein supplement sports drinks, cereals and grains are all good sources of protein to add to your diet. In the UK and some other major countries there is quorn a product from mushroom that is very high in protein.
