Let’s talk protein. Do you pay attention to the amount of protein in your diet? I don’t focus too much on it. I just try to get some protein in at every meal so I don’t go hungry and because I know my muscles need it. For someone who doesn’t eat a lot of poultry/red meat and is moderately lactose intolerant, I’ve found that I get a fair amount of protein from soy (when I’m not eating eggs and seafood!).
For the next several weeks, I’ll be writing about soy protein and my thoughts on it as a part of the ‘Soy Simple’ campaign. A campaign to promote making overall healthy lifestyle choices and changes to live your best and healthiest life. At the end of each week, I will host a contest for a chance to win a $50 gift card at a grocery store of your choice. It’ll be easy and fun, I promise. [Disclaimer: I am being compensated for my work in this campaign. As always, my opinions are completely my own.]
Like anything, there’s controversy surrounding soy protein out there. My hope is that if most of it the soy I consume comes from real food, I can reap the health benefits. Soy protein is a complete protein. It’s lactose-free, cholesterol-free and can help reduce the risk of heart disease. It can be found in a variety of products throughout the grocery store.
I prefer to get soy protein primarily from real food when I can. Such as tofu, tempeh edamame, soy milk, soy nuts, etc.
Occasionally, I purchase faux meat products. I realize they are processed, so I make sure to pair them with plenty of vegetables. I enjoy eating veggie burgers (found in the frozen aisle), which usually contain soy protein (but not always).
Soy protein can be found in a variety of energy/protein bars as well. I don’t eat these too often, but when I’m busy or in the mood for something sweet, I like Luna Bars, Clif Bars, and Odwalla Bars.
When I make smoothies, I usually add protein powder for staying power. I avoid whey protein because it contains dairy, so I opt for ones like Alive!, which contain protein from non-GMO soy.
Soy protein can be found in a variety of products these days. Whether you consume soy regularly or not, it is important to be aware of it. As with anything, you should consult your doctor/dietician/nutritionist before making any dietary changes. Everyone’s body is different. What I’ve written is from my personal experience and what works for me.
Look out for a ‘Soy Simple’ contest on Friday!
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
I like Morningstar Farms soy corn dogs. So yummy! I think that the soy flour gives a great texture to my new obsession, Better N’ Peanut Butter. I try not to eat too much of it though since it does effect your estrogen and women who have had any kind of cancer of lady parts should definitely consult with their doctors before adding soy.
very interesting post. i have actually had to cut down on soy protein. apparently it affects estrogen levels in women and my doctor suggested reducing my intake (based on MY personal levels — certainly not something every woman must do). my favorites are still soy milk, edamame and tempeh, but i try to incorporate other forms — veggies + legumes mainly.
excited for your giveaway!
What’s with soy protein (or soy protein isolate) being all over the blog world lately? I don’t get it.
They’re being compensated to talk about soy.
I lovve Luna/Lara bars! Great post! I need to pay attention to my protein more
I LOVE tofu and actually crave it a couple of times a week. However, I’ve heard that soy isn’t so great for you and it should only be eaten in very moderate amounts. Have you heard this as well? Any thoughts? I’m curious to learn more about this topic.
I love veggie burgers, but I have recently discovered that I have to stay away from Clif and Luna bars. They have had negative side effects on me and have challenged my ability to breathe (yikes!) and I think it is linked to the soy protein in them, unfortunately!
I’m a big tofu eater. I think it’s delicious! And I finally figured out how to bake it without drying it out. I always used to overbake it.
Oh girl, I am ALWAYS trying to get more protein in. Right now my trainer wants me to aim for 1 gram of protein per pound (that I am). Ugh, that seems like a lot of protein for one day. I agree, too much soy protein makes me sick so that is why I’m contemplating adding animal protein back into my diet. Still so on the fence about this.
Are we on the same page as what? I just wrote about getting more protein this morning!
I love tofu so much. Grew up drinking fresh and homemade soy milk. Gotta get some made now
I really like tofu & tempeh, so I tend to eat a ton of the stuff!
Yum.
Allie, did you ever do a post on how you were making your own kombucha? Are you still doing that?
Yeah I posted about it http://www.livelaugheat.com/2011/06/30/on-brewing-kombucha/
Not doing it currently…I got lazy.
A problem with too much soy is that it mimics estrogen. The body tends to not produce as much estrogen because of this and it can cause infertility problems. I have known infertility problems, and my BFF is an endocrinologist and the first question the asked me since she knows I’m TTC is how much soy I eat so that I could stay away from it. Luckily I already knew about this connection so I try to avoid soy as much as I can… although it seems to be in a LOT of foods.
I totally get major protein intake mostly from soy products: tofu, soy milk, and edamame. However, I’ll have eggs occasionally if I run out of tofu or forgot to buy it one week.
I really need to make sure I’m getting enough protein because since I’ve started running more my body lets me know if I’m lacking on carbs, fats, and proteins.
So much soy! I love that it is in there so many ways- especially the bars! ….I do my best to get in a fair amount of protein because I get super hungry if I decide it isn’t necessary.
Those black bean burgers look so good! I love soy in tofu and what not, but I’ve switched over to almond milk from soy because I love the taste more.
I don’t actually keep track of how much protein I consume each day, but I do keep it in the back of my mind when I make food choices. I like to have some protein with everything I eat, especially because I’ve noticed it keeps me fuller longer. And at meal times, I definitely like to have protein in my dish–for instance, just eating a plate of spaghetti doesn’t really do it for me..I want chicken or something thrown in, too!
You have to try the edamame hummus from TJ’s. It’s AMAZING!
Yes, I have! Mmmm
I don’t pay too much attention to protein. I do try to eat it at every meal, but I definitely don’t tally up grams or anything. Tofu is one of my favourite sources!
A huge problem with soy protein, other than mimicing estrogen, is how it’s produced. Generally, soy protein is extracted using hexane (basically a gasoline). Tons of products (including Clif and Luna bars and Morningstar products) have hexane-extracted soy protein in them.