Where will I get protein if I don't eat meat? Isn't it complicated to make sure you're getting enough of the various amino acids?

Getting enough protein on a vegetarian diet is easy as long as you eat a varied diet of unrefined foods that include enough calories to meet your energy needs. When caloric intake is adequate, protein deficiency is virtually non exist ent. This is because protein is so abundant in the food supply. The foods that form the found ation of a vegetarian diet - beans, grains, vegetables, nuts and seeds - are all rich in protein.

Amino acids, the building blocks of protein, are found in all plant foods, including the nine essential amino acids humans must obtain from food. Concentrated sources of plant protein include peas, beans, lentils, soy products (tofu, tempeh, and meat analogs), and nuts. Contrary to what many people believe, vegetarians do not need to carefully combine foods to meet their protein needs, and no particular meal planning approach is required. Just consume enough calories to maintain your ideal weight and include a variety of plant foods in your diet.