I am new to this forum. I’m 33 and live in Jersey. I am not a vegetarian, but do eat a few vegetarian meals a week. My only problem with going full vegetarian are my exercise habits. I need a lot of protein for what I am trying to accomplish. I have bought a few books on vegetarianism and its health benefits. I would like to one day become one, but it just may take awhile. I also get hassled by friends and family about being a veg. I know the health benefits of being one and I also love tofu.
If anybody has any advice for me, I would love it. Just how people became a veg. and what people eat on a daily basis would be helpful to me. I figured, by joining this forum, it would help me out.
Thanks to all.
Jay
P.S. I found this site from reading about vegetarianism online. I think through vegnews.org.
I do a lot of training too: kickboxing and trying to do a few weights and running to get in shape… I’m an ex-carb-junkie, and seem to need a fair amount of protein. Though I haven’t been vegan that long, and I’m still learning I’ve been doing a little research on how much protein a person needs - different sources say different things - so I’ll post it when I get it together
Vegan doesn’t have to mean low-protein! But you will have to bear in mind that vegetal sources of protein (bean and legumes) tend to be high in carbs too, so you won’t need a load of bread or chips on the side . I’ll make bean salads and chillis for lunch, eat some soy or tofu most days, and have some protein isolate (soy or hemp: you can also get rice and pea protein isolates, but I haven’t tried them yet) on heavy days…
I’m also currently on a plan that advocates eating six small meals a day instead of three larger ones. Meat stays in your gut longer than vegan food does, so more nutrients are absorbed - notably iron. I noticed a real difference in my performance when I started eating spinach and other greens throughout the day instead of just at my evening meal It also keeps your energy levels more steady.
I’m curious… What is it you’re trying to accomplish?
I have been lifting for almost four years now and would like to keep on getting bigger. I currently ingest, around 220 grams of protein daily. I too eat six small meals a day; but three are protein shakes and three real meals. If I want to keep putting muscle on and keeping the muscle, I need a lot of protein for that. I also do cardio four times a week and hike on a regular basis. I also walk around 35 miles a week, too for my job. So, I really need a lot of food and protein just to maintain my physical condition.
I appreciate your helpfulness Becka. Any more advice would be greatly appreciative.
Wow That’s a mighty amount of exercise! I came across the following site you might like: they’re supported by Yaoh hemp products and frequent Bristol Vegan Fayre veganbodybuilding.org/
A bit about Robbie Hazely veganbristol.makessense.co.u … s/348.html
I’ve been doing a little research on how much protein a person needs - different sources say different things 
- so I’ll post it when I get it together 
. I’ll make bean salads and chillis for lunch, eat some soy or tofu most days, and have some protein isolate (soy or hemp: you can also get rice and pea protein isolates, but I haven’t tried them yet) on heavy days…
That’s a mighty amount of exercise!