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Tofu - A Beginner's Guide |
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Written by Guest
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Thursday, 11 February 2010 14:49 |
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Where do I get my Protein? One of the first road blocks in the transformation to becoming a vegetarian is a simple question. How can I get protein without having meat in my diet? As a vegetarian for two years now, I can tell you the sources are as plenty as they are varied.
Here I will outline the dreaded Tofu. Personally not a favorite of mine, but it is widely available and very convenient for a good shot of protein. Many aspiring vegetarians use the "I hate tofu" excuse when starting out. Remember this is only part of the equation.There are many ways to get protein in either a vegetarian or vegan diet. Tofu is just one. So what is Tofu and what types are there? Tofu is made through the process of curdling soy milk with a coagulant to produce a cheese like substance. I know that can sound nasty to new veggies, but it is not far off from how cheese is made. Remember if you are a vegetarian, cheese is still on the table, but because of the high fat content is not recommended as your main protein source.
Types:
Firm Tofu- Is firm(obviously), more compressed than other types of tofu. It is higher in protein and calcium then it's counter parts. Firm tofu is the most versatile of the three types and can be prepared in many different manners including cubed, stir fried, sauteed, baked, grilled and scrambled.
Soft Tofu- Primarily used in soups.
Silken Tofu - Used in mixed or blended dishes such as purees, dressings, dips, and even smoothies
Benefits:
Tofu is a great substitution for meat. It is widely available and used in many pre-prepared vegetarian dishes. It is high in protein and calcium. Soy has been proven to control good cholesterol decreasing your LDL levels and maintaining HDL. It also contains isoflavones to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, breast cancer and prostate cancer.
Personally I come from the school of keeping vegetarian simple. With all the resource available and the conflicting studies, it is hard enough to get through your life without adding new decisions every second. Take it one step at a time. While nutrition is a science, one does not have to have a PHD to become a vegetarian. I say jump right in and explore the possibilities. Your life will benefit!
Gary Szymanski is a musician, graphic artist, vegetarian and entrepreneur who is introducing simple concepts in lifestyle transitions. Vegetarian Simple.
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