Humans are unmistakably designed to eat animal-based products. Think the fact that virtually all former cultures consume some sort of animal protein and fat, either it be from fish and other seafood, water and land fowl, land animals, eggs, dairy, reptiles, or even insects. Getting the right whole and balance of proteins is not a question for whatever following a diet that includes these. But what about those active people who don't eat meat, fish, or eggs and want to eat minimum soy get good ability protein? What are the best sources of protein for vegetarians? Quite frankly, it is hard for a vegetarian to get the full spectrum of amino acid construction blocks that are vital to the human body, but it is by all means possible.
How to get protein as a vegetarian
This topic is addressed by Matt Frazie of The No Meat Athlete. The Paleo Diet, as you know, is based on the law of what we are "designed to eat." As such, it includes copious amounts of the animal-based products that vegans cannot eat. Frazie shows no hesitation in pointing out that it is naturally impossible to succeed the Paleo Diet as a vegetarian since every major vegetarian source of protein, together with soy, beans, and quinoa are not allowed. However, he does point out that there are ways to slightly modify the Paleo diet in order to get those vital amino acids.
1. Eggs. If you are a vegetarian that does not avoid eggs, then by all means eat eggs! They consist of all nine vital amino acids as well as three vital fatty acids. You could unmistakably meet all the protein requirements by naturally together with ability sources of this nutritious food.
2. Grain-like seeds. Grain-like seeds such as quinoa, amaranth, and buckwheat behave more like grains than like nuts which is why most Paleo-style diets do not allow them. They consist of mostly carbohydrates as opposed to other seeds such as sunflower seeds which consist of mostly fat and protein. However, together with these in your diet would certainly get you closer to meeting protein requirements for the day.
3. Hemp. Some Paleo diets do not allow this seed, but it is certainly worth taking a look at. Its amino acid profile rivals that of soy, meat, and even eggs manufacture it one of the most vital vegetarian foods high in protein. It also contains good amounts of vital fatty acids as well as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, and manganese. They are also gluten-free.
4. Soaked or sprouted beans and legumes. The major issue with beans and legumes is that they consist of inevitable enzyme-inhibitors and anti-nutrients that make them quite hard to digest-even after cooking. However, soaked and sprouted beans and legumes are much more digestible and can be a vital source of protein for vegetarians.
5. Vegetarian protein powders. One potentially vital source of protein that Frazie overlooks is whey. Mark Sission of Mark's Daily Apple attests to the benefits of whey protein powder while on a Paleo diet. Although he very recommends a diet containing meat and fish, he points out that good ability whey protein supplements consist of a very large spectrum of amino acids that would greatly benefit any vegetarian. My popular source of whey is whey concentrate, and popular goods is Jarrow Formulas Whey Protein Unflavored.
