You're Vegan? Where Do You Get Your Protein?

This is a question I was asked a lot when I first decided to stop eating meat and dairy. I even wondered it myself knowing that my usual breakfast of plain, Greek yogurt wouldn't be an option. However, the more I did research on sources of protein-rich food and figured out how many grams I would need a day, I was surprised by what I learned. Like most Americans, I used to eat way more than my recommended daily requirement for protein. Now that I'm not eating meat or dairy, my protein intake has decreased, but I still manage to get all the protein I need.

I figured I'd show you today how I'm able to get all the protein I need, even while traveling. Brett and I left yesterday for Virginia and were in airports most of the day. I was able to awkwardly snap some pics of my meals and snacks so I could share with you "What I Ate Tuesday While Traveling." I apologize for the iPhone 4 picture quality.

Breakfast:

(Unpictured)

A quick bowl of oatmeal with some almond putter and flaxseed.

Protein: 10 grams

Morning Snacks:

Part of a banana and strawberries

Protein: 1 gram

(At the airport)

This awesome granola bar from Starbucks:
Evolution Harvest Bar
I knew I would like it as soon as I opened it and you could actually see the ingredients!

Protein: 10 grams 

...and a 1/2 caf. Americano for our first plane flight to Detroit.

I love flying because I get to sit and read for hours. Anyone else?

Lunch:

A veggie and guacamole sandwich (without olives or cheese) from Quiznos...

while practically running to catch my next flight.

Protein: 24 grams

Afternoon Snack:

Once we landed in Virginia and got our rental car, Brett and I stopped at Trader Joe's to pick up some groceries for the week. Ah, I love that place!

We picked up yogurt, fruit and granola for breakfast and got soup, bread and spinach for lunches. Of course we also got some chips and kettle corn, which I had to open and try as soon as we got to the car. 

Not much protein there, but it was delicious.

I can't wait to live in New York where I'll be able to walk to Trader Joe's often.

Dinner:

After getting groceries, we went and hung out with my brother, sister-in-law and my niece and nephew. They order Pho and I got the fried tofu and mixed veggie bowl.

De-licious.

That bowl doesn't look big, but we all ate out of serving bowls.

We ate every last drop.

Protein: ~25 grams

My brother and his wife just built an awesome patio with a fire pit in their backyard.

After dinner we got to hangout by the fire and make s'mores with homemade mallows and graham crackers.

Amazing.

Grand Total of Protein: 70 grams!

 And that's how it's done. Head over to  Peasandcrayons to see other's daily eats. Have a great Wednesday!

Eat Consciously,

     Faith