[bpcyclist]

So, I am not officially vegan or vegetarian, but the fact is, about a year ago, I suddenly started getting really grossed out by animal protein. Even fish, which I have always adored. I do still rarely eat shellfish maybe, but that is it.I don't really enjoy it. I will eat some turkey on Thursday, but only out of observance.

As people are no doubt tired of hearing about, I ride my bike a lot. Maybe 160 miles a week. I have developed extreme soreness in my quads recently, and all the bike gurus have told me they think it is my protein situation. My question is, for vegans or vegetarians or anyone knowledgeable, how do I get protein when I eat zero meat anymore?

[Sometimes psychotic]

I’m a fan of the chickpea....they also make pasta that’s high protein now, some from chickpeas and other sources. A single source of veg protein is rarely complete so you need like rice to go with beans although it doesn’t have to be in the same meal. Typically if you’re eating actual vegetables, beans and grains it’s not much of an issue. Like chickpea you can do hummus on a sandwich or salads but seriously I can eat a whole can doused in bbq and ranch.... now I’ve never stayed veg for years so it could be there are more complexities, I’m more flexitarian. But these are just a few tips to get you started.

Check these out
High Protein Vegetarian Meals For Vegetarian Protein - olivemagazine

[LilyMop]

Do you like eggs? You can buy them local or cage free. What about tofu? It cooks quickly and easily in the air fryer and all you need to marinade it in beforehand is a little soy sauce, olive or sesame oil and garlic. You can add it to stir fried veggies or even just throw some into a heated frozen vegetarian meal to add more protein. Make sure you get the firm tofu for stir fry and the silken tofu would be for making smoothies. Soy milk also adds protein. There are many vegan protein bars and protein powders that easily add 20g of protein. Snack on nuts, peanut butter, edamame. What about tuna or shrimp? If you are ok eating those they are loaded with protein. Look into multivitamins if you plan to be vegan: You’ll want to read up on B12, iodine and iron.

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by LilyMop

Do you like eggs? You can buy them local or cage free. What about tofu? It cooks quickly and easily in the air fryer and all you need to marinade it in beforehand is a little soy sauce, olive or sesame oil and garlic. You can add it to stir fried veggies or even just throw some into a heated frozen vegetarian meal to add more protein. Make sure you get the firm tofu for stir fry and the silken tofu would be for making smoothies. Soy milk also adds protein. There are many vegan protein bars and protein powders that easily add 20g of protein. Snack on nuts, peanut butter, edamame. What about tuna or shrimp? If you are ok eating those they are loaded with protein. Look into multivitamins if you plan to be vegan: You’ll want to read up on B12, iodine and iron.

Thanks, LilyMop. I like all those things. I love tofu, but I never use it, I guess because I never really learned how to cook it. Thanks for the tips!!

[downandlonely]

I don't eat much meat, but do eat a lot of eggs and tofu.

[Discombobulated]

Quinoa is supposed to be high in protein, if you like that. Quorn meat substitute is okay I find too.

You can definitely be veggie and be a top athlete.

[bpcyclist]

Thanks, everyone. I have been reading about what you all have said. I was wondering if anyone uses seitan (spelling may be wrong, sorry). If you have, it comes in a powder, right? So, how do you make it into a fake chicken or whatever?

[unaluna]

Seitan comes in chunks. Gluten comes in a powder.