DELICIOUS PROTEIN SUBSTITUTES do exist! Discover new protein substitutes that work for vegan and non-vegan lifestyles

Believe it or not, protein substitutes can  be exciting, new and downright tasty!  Eating habits can be changed. It’s not that hard!

A Vegan Lifestyle

Me, I live the Bikini Lifestyle. What does that mean to me? I love water! And, love of water means all things “fish” in my book. I am a self-proclaimed pescatarian. A few years ago a tested the waters with a vegan diet. Being vegan did not work for me. But, who says a lifestyle has to be all one way or the other? It is easy to incorporate vegan dishes into most any kind of lifestyle.

Common Protein Sources

• Beans! Black beans, dark red kidney beans, lima beans… all beans have strong quantities of protein
• Lentils
• Quinoa! A versatile seed that cooks like a grain. Quinoa is a “complete” protein and is packed with vital minerals. Buy my book, THE COMPLETE IDIOT’S GUIDE TO QUINOA << delicious recipes for vegan and non-vegan lifestyles.
• Legumes
• Nuts! Go nuts for nuts… walnuts top the list for the healthiest nut and peanuts are low on my list. Opt for walnuts, almonds, cashews, and a fun fave – pistachios! RECIPE: CASHEW CHEESE !
• Fermented soy products like Tempeh.  Tempeh holds together well when pan-grilled and works well as a substitute for grilled fish or a hearty burger. See more below!
• Veggie burgers – don’t like the store options? Make your own! SUSAN’S VEGGIE BURGERS

The Upside of Seitan and Tempeh

• Seitan
• Pronounced: SAY-tahn or SAY-tan
• Made from wheat yet has little in common with flour or breads
• Also referred to as “wheat meat”, “wheat gluten” or simply “gluten”
• Obviously not a great option for individuals who are gluten sensitive!
• A popular substitute due to its hearty texture and flavor
• High in protein! 100grams of seitan (about 1/2 cup) equals approximately 20 grams of protein
• Preparation: by hand using either whole wheat flour or vital wheat gluten, made by rinsing away the starch in the wheat, leaving a high-protein gluten behind.
• Prepared Seitan can be found in the refrigerated section of most health food stores.

Fermented Soy = Tempeh

• Pronunciation: TEMP-eh
• Definition: a soy food common to Asian cuisine for 100s of years
• Made from cooked and slightly fermented soybeans and formed into a “hamburger-style” patty
• Low in fat, very high in protein and calcium
• Contains beneficial isoflavones
• Has a textured and nutty flavor
• Add to simple stir fry meals, soups, and meatless chili
• Found in the refrigerated section of most health food stores and in the natural foods aisle of most large grocery brands
• One serving of tempeh (100 grams) provides around 200 calories, 18.2 grams of protein, and 10% of the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) of both calcium and iron.
• Bonus! Tempeh is a naturally cholesterol-free food

Source: Seitan sources
Source: http://vegetarian.about.com/od/glossary/g/Tempeh.htm