Vegetarians and results without high protein diet

[amron]

Hi, I am a vegetarian, and have been reading about how to get lean you need to eat a diet high in protein. I am really not a lover of high protein foods, so was wondering if there were any vegetarians out there who have got great results without eating a diet high in protein, just by watching calories and eating five meals a day.

Kim

 

[star_dust]

Hi - I'm a veggie too and I am not sure if you are looking to reduce your body fat percentage, lose weight, or just become very defined and lean? I achieved good results using the glycaemic index and eating more higher protein foods (yet vegetarian friendly foods) like beans and eggs and slow-energy release carbohydrates. I ate several meals a day and reduced my fat % along with increasing the duration of my workouts. I think this method takes longer than a high protein/low carbohydrate diet, but I also think it is more sustainable in the long term. Good luck

 

[kathryn]

Actually, protein is not all it's cracked up to be. It's hard not to get "enough," and many people get excessive amounts (which can lead to leaching of alkaline minerals like calcium from the body, kidney stress, and immune system stress).

Visit www.drfuhrman.com where there is a good article protein.

To build more muscle, you do need more protein, but because you need more calories as well, you will automatically get more protein (unless you eat mainly processed foods and/or citrus fruit). To get lean, cut out processed foods, especially HFCS, (partially)hydrogenated oils---or any added oils for that matter) and stick to a clean diet, and add some interval cardio to your workout 1-2 times/week.

What will build muscle is WORK and calories.

Also, quality of protein is important. Something like hemp, for example, is an excellent protein because it is easily assimilated and has all the necessary amino acids.

 

[scm]

Here is a list of some vegetarian foods (this came from a bodybuilding website)

http://ksteveh.tripod.com/protein.html


Susan C.M.

 

[kathryn]

Also, you might want to come on over to www.veganbodybuilding.com , where you can get some advice from people who are building muscle on a vegan diet.

 

[amron]

Thanks for all your advice so far. I will definitely check out those sites. Ultimately I am looking to drop body fat %.

 

[macska]

Whenever I wanted to lose a few pounds cuttng back on calories worked all the time, regardless of any ratios between fat, protein and carbs. But when for any reason I left certain food groups out, I just felt miserable. Losing weight is really a simply math, use more calories then you consume. Mari

 

[smiles4383]

http://vegetarianbodybuilder.com/

There are many veggie body building sites out there. Four-time Mr. Universe Bill Pearl built a veggie body. I've been lacto-ovo vegetarian for over 25 years. My body fat is not where I want right not, but I have a lot of muscle mass and am working toward the lower body fat. Combining good veggie-nutrition and the Cathe Gym-style workouts over the last 4 weeks is already making a tremendous DENT in my muscles......I can see the cuts even though I still have body fat to lose. I'm confident that my newly developed muscles will eat away the fat over the next few months.......:9