Protein in a Vegan Diet

A diet rich in soy and whey protein, found in ...

Image via Wikipedia

There’s a common perception that to obtain enough protein, one will have to eat lots of non-vegetarian food, as opposed to very little if one is consuming meat.  This perception can be easily described as a myth. The vegans i.e. people who don’t eat any animal product also have plenty of high protein options to choose from as far as protein rich foods are concerned. The most common vegetarian food sources of protein include: beans, nuts, grains like pulses and lentils, peas, nut butters etc.

A vegetarian must ensure that his or her diet contains a wide variety of protein rich foods. This is essential because the essential amino acids required by our body cannot be obtained from a single vegetarian protein source. If vegans need to take a protein rich diet for fighting a medical condition or to build muscles, they should ensure that all their meals contain adequate quantity of protein. To have sufficient protein in your diet, you can take peanut butter with bread during breakfast. A teaspoonful peanut butter contains 8g protein.

A lunch comprising of beans and rice or beans and corn will also offer the required quantity of protein. Another great option fort such individuals is soybeans or other soy products like tofu, soy milk etc. A bowl full of soybean is known to offer as much protein as two egg whites. One cup soy milk, on the other hand, offers 7g protein. In dinner, vegans can take rice with lentils. One cup lentil offers 18g protein. You can consult your dietitian and know how much protein you need to take per day and plan your diet accordingly.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Vegan and Vegetarian—Who Eats What?

Food for Life distributes food on an internati...

Image via Wikipedia

Vegetarians eat vegetables. Simple, right? No so much. There are different grades of vegetarians, if you will:

Pescatarians

Pescatarians simply eat no raw or cooked flesh or meat except for seafood or fish. This is sometimes due to diet restrictions, while other times it is simply a matter of personal choice. A diet of vegetables, fruits, whole foods and lean fish is heart-healthy and provides protein as well as omega acids from an animal source.

Vegetarians

Usually, a person will refer to himself as a vegetarian if he eats no animal flesh or meat what-so-ever, but he will consume eggs and dairy products. Another term commonly used is lacto-ovo-vegetarian. Protein sources come from eggs, cheese and additional dairy products as well as non-animal sources.

Vegans

Vegans eat no products derived from animals. They consume mainly vegetables and fruits as well as barley, oats, brown rice and other whole grains. Legumes are a primary source of protein for many vegans.

A person’s diet is a matter of choice. Everyone should take personal preferences as well as health concerns into mind when deciding what type of diet they should eat. In many cases, a physician’s advice should be sought as well. There has been past controversy about the health value of a vegan diet. In many instances, the controversy came up due to a lack of education. If a person is unaware of the proper balance that the body needs, their lack of information can result in improper diet choices leading to anemia, low-protein levels, or other bodily harm. Followed properly, a vegan diet can be just as healthy, if not more-so, than other meal plans.

No matter which foods a person eats, they can maintain their daily nutritional needs by varying their diet within the foods groups in which they eat. A wholly vegan diet is indefinitely healthier than one consisting of fast-food stops and fried dinners. Even if you choose not to stick to a vegan diet, eating fruits and veggies consistently will feed your body as well as your mind.

Distinguishing between veganism and vegetarianism

With an emphasis on a healthy way of life these days it is no surprise that many people are resorting to a change in a dietary lifestyle as well as incorporating an exercise regime. People are looking for alternatives to the fad diets and outlandish schemes that promise weight loss in three days. People are beginning to understand that what they eat is detrimental to a healthy body and happy weight. Choices of food are shifting and many people are reducing the intake of meat or eliminating it all together. Those who choose a lifestyle without meat are considered to be vegans or vegetarians.

Although they share similar qualities and beliefs there is a difference between veganism and vegetarianism. So, what’s the distinguishing factor?

No animals allowed

Meat and products from animals such as milk, eggs and cheese are NOT in the vegan’s diet. Whether it is by choice or tradition vegans have banned animals from the kitchen table. It would seem like there would be a limit to the amounts of food available. On the contrary, vegan’s enjoys a vast menu of delectable dishes made from a combination of grains, beans, fruits and vegetables. The diet of a vegan consists of botanical sources that can be consumed raw or cooked.

Animals allowed

A vegetarian diet encompasses vegetables, fruit, grains, and food rich in protein and fats. Some of the proteins and fats are provided by animals. Unlike a vegan diet that avoids anything relating to animals, vegetarians have the option to choose a diet that includes dairy and eggs. It is not uncommon for a vegetarian to eat fish or poultry but only in moderation. The majority of the diet consists of all natural elements.