Great Sources Of Vegetarian Protein Foods Ideal For The South Beach Diet
If you have wanted to try the Southbeach diet, but you don't think you can because you're a vegetarian, think again! It is easy to substitute lean meats for other foods that provide rich amounts of protein. As a matter of fact, there are many 'Southbeach diet friendly' recipes made with vegetarian protein foods. Foods that provide protein to vegetarians are extremely important, since they are not getting their protein from meat.
Some great sources of vegetarian proteins come from whole plant foods such as dried beans, peanut butter, cheese, eggs, yogurt and peas. Here are some great foods and their protein content.
Lima Beans contain 4grams per 1/4 cup
Pinto Beans contain 5grams per 1/3 cup
Chickpeas contain 5grams per 1/3 cup
Low fat yogurt contains 12grams per 8 ounces
Tofu contains 9grams per piece
Pea soup contains 9grams per 1 cup
Pecans contain 8grams per 1 cup
Cheddar cheese contains 7grams per 10 ounces
Eggs contain 6grams each
Oatmeal contains 6grams per 1 cup
Raisins contain 5grams per 1 cup
Avocados contain 5grams per fruit
Our bodies need protein to function properly. Next to water, protein is the most abundant substance in the human body. Things in our body that are made of protein include our hair, skin, eyes, muscles, fingernails, hormones, nerve transmission chemicals, hemoglobin and antibodies. As a matter of fact, without protein, our cells cannot produce or store energy. Nutritionists say the suggested amount of protein we need a day is about 0.4 to 0.6 grams per pound of body weight. For example, if you are a 180 pound adult who doesn't exercise or move around a lot, you will need about 7.2grams a day. If you are a 180 pound adult who exercises regularly and who is active, you will need about 10.8grams a day. It is, however fine to consume more than this, as the South Beach Diet suggests. In fact accumulating research suggests that women who consume high levels of protein have a lower risk of developing osteoporosis.
The drawbacks of getting your protein from vegetarian sources is that it can be hard to get the protein without getting the carbohydrates like you can with lean cuts of meat. However, eating whole foods is extremely good for you and they provide your body with essential nutrients and minerals that you need in order to function properly. You can absolutely get vegetarian protein foods that will allow you to follow your Southbeach diet plan. Good Luck!
| 