Written by Cheyenne Watts |  Reviewed by Laura Kahn MS, RDN, CDN

True or False:  It’s difficult to consume enough protein when following a vegetarian diet.

FALSE: It is absolutely possible to consume enough protein as a vegetarian.  If you don’t believe me, check out these vegan and vegetarian body builders!  Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are necessary to build and repair muscle fibers.  How could these athletes possibly build so much muscle if they were not consuming plenty of protein? 

Vegetarians have plenty of options when it comes to consuming proteins, and many of these are lower in fat and higher in fiber, vitamins, and minerals in comparison to most animal protein sources.  Here are some vegetarian protein options:

Other suggested plant-based protein sources include: soy milk, amaranth, nuts and nut butters, oats, wild rice, ezekiel bread, chia and other seeds, as well as chickpeas and other beans.  

You can find some great vegetarian recipes

https://www.buzzfeed.com/deenashanker/meals-with-tons-of-protein-and-no-meat?utm_term=.wyNwOr24vG#.hmxaDQxrbP

http://www.eatthis.com/protein-vegetarian-meals

Whether you eat a vegetarian diet for moral, environmental, or health-related reasons, it easy to get the proper amount of protein in your diet.  Happy Eating!

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