Man-go-round was nice enough to buy this for me:

It was incredibly sweet of him, as he was supporting my ambition to become she-woman with a promised 25 grams of protein in one chocolatey bottle. 


The only problem? Dude was painfully unaware of my traumatized past with nutrition shakes brought on by gagging down Ensure as a kid (don’t worry mom and dad, the years and years of psychotherapy are slowly helping… hehe kidding…). I absolutely detest these things, and no amount of muscle/ weight gain promises makes a darn difference to me. I hate milk and all products like it- I can’t stand how it coats your throat like a phlegmy menace.


I digress. I figured since he bought it, I would try it. The verdict? Yep, it might be chocolately (plus one point) but it smells and tastes EXACTLY like Ensure (minus 27,000 points). I drank about half of it and then decided to save the rest to blend up with some frozen bananas and Reeses Pieces… pieces (can you tell I like to use my food processor?)


But gaggy protein shakes aside, what’s a vegetarian to do to get protein? I guarantee if you are a vegetarian or vegan long enough, you will get asked this question. Sooooo, to prepare any herbivores out there, I give you my list, from favorite to least favorite.


Meri’s “Preferred” Proteins
1. Nuts/ Nut butters. Come on, who doesn’t love these? Granted, my stomach sometimes doesn’t, but hey, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do in the name of protein, right?


2. Lentils/ Beans/ Quinoa- Some people don’t love these because of the longer soaking/ cooking time. I sort of enjoy it, as towards the end I can start to stir things in, boil off the liquid, and play with add-ins.


3. Luna bars- These usually have approximately 9 grahams of protein. Not bad for a cookie! Here’s one I tried yesterday…

4. Eggplant meatballs. I first had these visiting my parents in Arizona, then found them while visiting San Francisco. I thought for awhile they were a Safeway only product. Then one day at the co-op- Voila! I found them. Enter extreme happiness

Sauce me up, baby!

5. Seitan Jerky/ Soy veggie burgers/ Soy veggie crumbles/ Seitan/ Tempeh- Yeah, I lumped them all together because I like all of them about the same. I like them, but don’t buy them that often because of expense. Pass the lentils!

I loooove you, Primal Foods- Sky high sodium and all!

6. Cottage Cheese/ Greek Yogurt- I like these, but usually don’t eat large enough amounts to get much protein out of them. Thus, I don’t count on them to get protein.


7. Eggs/ Other cheeses- Meh. Again, I don’t feel the protein count is high enough to eat them for that sole reason. So I eat them in smaller amounts on the occasions I feel like it. I do enjoy hard boiled eggs with lunch.


8. Tofu- Ick. Pretty much never eat it, unless it’s done really right, a.k.a by someone else.


9. Protein powders- The few I’ve tried, taste way off. Also, with my distaste for shakes/ smoothies, I’m not sure how I can really eat them without gagging. Plus, the price… Any ideas?


I know you can get a good amount of protein from some whole grain products, pastas, breads, wraps, and more. I guess I never looked to check though, and I’m too lazy to go look in the cupboard, SO, the list remains devoid of them. 


I am in no way an expert on vegetarianism, and only some of the above items are vegan. This is just my own personal list grown and gleaned over the years to reflect my favorites and most frequently eaten. Hope you enjoy! What ways do you get protein? Have you ever had a nasty protein shake experience?


                                                                                                                                                                 


And now,  the moment I got out of bed today for we’re all waiting for… Munch Madness! Click here for details on the “tournament” if you’re new here.


Last night’s battle was Strawberries vs. Blueberries. It was a tough choice for some, but Strawberries win with a final score of 15-8. Better luck next time, Bloobs! (I giggle every time I call them that).


And tonight? I have a sneaking suspicion how this one will go,  but…


Cucumbers vs. Okra!


Oh, and if not one person votes for my beloved okra, I will count my own vote this time so I don’t cry. Now, let the unbiased voting begin!


Talk to me, people! And if you have tasty protein ideas for me, do tell! I’m never too old to try something new, unless it’s a protein shake that is.


Meri