Getting Protein as a Vegan
Since animal proteins play such an important role in the average person's diet vegans, are often challenged to find equivalent sources that provide the quality of amino acids that are only found in fish, meat, eggs and poultry. "The five most critical amino acids lacking in most vegan diets, according to biochemist Don Tyson, who ran the Aatron Medical Services Laboratory in Torrance, California, "are lysine, methionine, carnitine, taurine and tryptophan".
A start in the right direction for vegans might be taking a nutritional supplement containing methionine, lysine, taurine, and carnitine, with meals to make sure they are well-balanced in amino acids. There is also protein powders available that are made from peas that would be appropriate for vegans, because it is enhanced to contain the four amino acids. If you are vegetarians, rather then vegan, you have the opportunity of increasing whey protein shakes during your days while including the same amino acid supplement I advised above. Balanced amino acids are key for your body to repair and rebuild.
Beans can be a source of protein, but they also contain a significant amount of carbohydrates. For example, 8 ounces of chickpeas contain 120 grams of carbohydrates. Because of this beans can be tough to consume a lot of without gaining weight. Beans are really considered a carbohydrate. Furthermore, nuts are not a viable source of protein considering the amount of fat they contain in proportion to protein.
I have tried being vegan and vegetarian both. I gained weight. It is difficult for me and my body type (apparently) to function on a low protein high carb diet without gaining excess weight. I will continue to experiment, however, because I don't like eating animals. There has to be a better option, I just haven't found it yet.
