Being a vegetarian, I am always concerned that I do not get enough protein.  I confess that I do miss the convenience of cooking a piece of chicken or mixing up some meat with veggies having my protein quota filled!

Being allergic to soy means that I cannot eat tofu, although I would only recommend eating noN GMO organic tofu. So I am always left with what should I eat? Am I getting enough? I love nuts but nuts don’t love me! When I am trying to lose wight, I have to pretty much avoid nuts as I tend to put on weight eating them not lose. Small amounts of nut butter are ok.

So then how do I know if I am getting enough protein? Here are 5 tips to see if you are. Now remember I am not a Dr or in the medical field, this is based on reading and on my own experience.

If you would like to try a free sample of the delicious pea protein that I use each day, click on the button below.

1) I often would crash in the  mid afternoon craving something sweet and carby! By having more protein throughout my day, I have found that I do not get this feeling. Having a protein fuelled snack keeps the cravings away. Often I eat a protein bar but one that is low in sugar and has around 10g protein which is perfect for a snack. No fat, unsweetened Greek yoghurt is an excellent form of protein that is low in fat and you can jazz it up by  adding berries which are sweet but low in natural sugars too. Protein evens out your blood sugar.

2) Protein helps repair and rebuild new cells and tissue so if you have injuries that are slow to heal, perhaps it is your body’s way of saying you are not eating enough protein.

3) I tend to get excema on my hands as a result of stress or too much exposure to water such as constant hand washing. Having  a dog I am always washing hands.Peeling skin and thin brittle nails are also signs that your body may not have enough protein.

4)Our immune cells are made from protein and if you are constantly sick, perhaps this is another sign that you are not getting enough protein.

5 ) It is said that brain fog  may be related to lack of protein and fluctuating blood sugar.

So where do we find protein sources to eat?

Apart from the obvious of meat, fish and eggs let’s look at other vegan sources of protein.

Egg whites have a ton of protein! They have much less fat than an egg with the yolk. For example 1/2 a cup of egg whites have a whooping 13 grams of protein and only 75 calories. Two whole eggs have 12 grams of protein and 160 calories. I often mix one egg with half a cup of egg whites so I am getting some fat and a whole lot of protein.

Whole grains, lentils, soy, beans, nuts, seeds, and vegetables are all wonderful forms of protein.

I start my day with a protein powders to make my shake . I use a  high quality pea protein and know that I start my day with a whooping 20grams of protein which is enough to tie me over until lunch.

The amount of protein we eat depends on your gender, your age , your weight and your activity level.It might be worth finding out how much protein you need if you find yourself needing an afternoon sugar high , your nails are brittle and if   you find yourself constantly hungry.

What protein do you eat to keep you satisfied? Drop me a line below, I would love to hear. If you would like to try a free sample of the delicious pea protein that I use each day, click on the button below.