Last week Jen over at Peanut Butter Runner did a great post on where she gets her protein on days when she doesn’t eat much, if any, meat. If you haven’t checked out her blog, you should. This girl provides all kinds of great motivation for getting your butt to the gym and/or yoga studio.
Jen’s post got me thinking about my protein intake. As a vegetarian, I get the protein question a lot, and sometimes, when I’m feeling a little less patient than I should be, I get a little frustrated.
You see, there are so many ways to get protein besides meat. My favorite forms are peanut butter and Greek yogurt, which I eat almost every single day. Here’s a look at where else I get my protein throughout a typical day:
Breakfast:
-1 tablespoon peanut butter (4g)
-2 slices whole wheat bread (8g)
-1/2 medium banana, sliced
-1 cup fresh blackberries (2g)
-Coffee with 1/2 cup 2% milk (4g)
-24 oz. water
Total Protein: 18g
Mid-Morning Snack:
-ThinkThin Crunchy Nut Bar (10g)
Total Protein: 10g
Lunch:
-2% Fage Greek Yogurt (20g!)
-1 tablespoon peanut butter (4g)
-1/2 cup Kashi Go Lean Crunch cereal (4.5g)
-1/4 cup chopped walnuts (7.5g)
-1 cup fresh blackberries (2g)
-24 oz. water
Total Protein: 38g
Dinner:
-Slice of leftover Dominos Light-Cheese Veggie Pizza (9g)
-Salad with romaine, 2 tablespoons hummus (2g), 1/4 cup shredded white cheddar cheese (7g), 1/2 chopped pear
-24 oz. water
Total Protein: 18g
DAILY TOTAL: 84 grams of protein!
As a reference point, the amount of protein recommended for me, specifically, according the USDA (calculated HERE) is 53 grams based on my activity level, height, weight and age. So, as you can see, I’m consuming more than adequate amounts of protein even as a vegetarian.
Another reference point? To get the same amount of protein at McDonalds, I would have to consume three quarter pounders with cheese. Or six McChicken sandwiches. Take your pick.
Vegetarian or meat-eater, what are your favorite ways to get protein?
Happy eating!
Madison