If you are a vegetarian, how do you maintain your energy and protein levels?

Question

I tried the vegetarian method for awhile, but found my energy levels were really low, not to mention my thought processes were a bit out of whack. However, I DID lose weight, and want to try this again, but need some tips. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Protein levels are not a problem for vegetarians: there are plenty of protein sources.  My guess is that you likely reduced your carb intake because you sound like you got the same symptoms that meat-eaters starting the Atkins diet do -- low energy and unable to think straight.

-- Are you getting enough carbs (root vegetables, fruit, legumes, grains?)

-- Are you getting enough proteins?  (legumes, nuts, etc?, milk products if that's your thing?)

-- Does your diet include healthy fats such as olive oil, sesame oil, nuts, avocados, etc.?  Your brain also needs these to function optimally.

-- Do you have a varied diet?

Answer 2

Hey there,

This is a great question and many people ask this. If you know the answer then you have just overcome one of the biggest hurdles to having more energy and clarity of mind.

I would first ask, what sort of diet did you try when you were on the veg diet.  Did you eat mostly cooked foods or raw?

The reason I ask is because energy from raw vegetables and fruits is much more effecient and beneficial to the body than cooked because when cooked, foods loose some vitamins and minerals as well as the ability to break down in the body. So if the food can't break down, then your body has to expend energy to do this for you.  That is a reason why you are tired.  It is recommended to have two raw organic salads per day. One should be vegetable salad with dark leafy greens and the other can be a fresh fruit or vegetable sandwich. But this is just the beginning..

Another important thing to think about is cleansing and proper elimination of toxins which slow you down play with your emotions.  

One more key to energy is getting the most nutrients from the raw food you consume. The best way to do that is through the use of a vegetable juicer.  This can give you as much as 90% of the nutrients from the veggies/fruit (if using a juicer like the Green Star) as compared to only getting 10% when you eat the veggies. If you start juicing you will really notice a huge energy increase and you can continue to stay on your vegetarian  diet.  

Please let me know if you have any more questions. I will be happy to help

Dean O

www.thehealthydancerblog.com  

Answer 3

You probably didn't get protein from nuts, beans and legumes, whole grains, etc. Try eating more of these, and don't forget to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Vegetarian or not, eating a diet of oreos, chips, and soda (still vegetarian ;) will wreck havoc on your body.

Answer 4

eat beans and nuts

Answer 5

you must not have eaten the right foods.  there is more to being vegetarian than spagetti, salad, and cheese pizza.  you need to eat from all 4 food groups.   whole wheats, legumes, fruits and vegetables

Answer 6

I'm a veggie(lacto-ovo) for over 22 years. At first it was difficult because it wasn't a very popular diet back then and there wasn't much in the way of options for protein alternatives for the main course in meals. It was tofu, tempah, or making our own veggie meatloaf or burgers.

Now the array of choices is amazing. With brands like Morningstar and Boca for the frozen burgers, chicken patties, bacon strips, sausages, corndogs, etc...found in just about any grocery store now, are basically what we use every day.  For lunch"meats" for sandwiches, there's frozen worthington chicken slices, ham slices or tofurkey slices(Turtle Island Foods) which can be kept in the fridge. Loma Linda and Worthington have some good canned products too. These are mainly found in the health food stores but are available online for lower prices. For BBQ's I would recommend canned Big Franks (veggie hot dogs) or Choplets(Veggie Steaks). Add BBQ sauce or A1 and you're good to go.

The best part of these alternatives is that they have the equivelance of protein and vitamins especially the B's that are essential for a balanced daily diet that are found in meat.

Even our kids have been raised vegetarians and are healthy and are very content with all of the variety we can have. We drink and cook with the soymilk and we do eat cheeses, dressings, sour cream, yogurt,and eggs(unfertilized).

Nalley's vegetarian chili has beans and textured soy protein combined. It's one of our staples. Great for Chili Fries!

A super easy dip that's packed with protein is hummus. I make one that's a lazy way to make it but we love it. In a food processor of blender add 1 Pkg hidden valley ranch dip mix, 1-2 cans garbonzo beans drained, & add enough plain yogurt or sour cream to make it a dipping consistency and do a taste test. If it's too salty add more yogurt or sour cream.It's great with tortilla chips or Ruffles or as a sandwich spread.

Just balance your grains, nuts, legumes, green leafy veggies, and fruits and you should be fine. Try looking up a vegetarian food pyramid to get a better idea.

We take multivitamins with iron just to be sure we're not lacking anything. Sorry such a long answer but wanted to think of all the different choices that are available now. Good luck!

Answer 7

Beans,nuts,pasta,whole grains, and dark green leafy veggies such as collard and turnip greens. I just try to eat a little bit of everything everyday and try to make sure that what I eat is natural and unprocessed as much as possible.

Answer 8

you made food vegetarian as menu obligatory in food daily you

Answer 9

Eat.  Healthy.

Answer 10

Guiness = iron