Wait, Where Did You Say You Get Your Protein From, Again?

I got a request this morning from some of my fellow Weight Watchers for a list of vegan protein sources, so here you go guys!

Gardein Chik'n Scallopini

One of my favorite brands, because they have so many different options, is Gardein. They have everything from naked "chicken' breasts - Chik'n Scallopini (2 pts) to Marinara Chick'n Good Stuff, which is a stuffed "chicken breast (5 pts) and literally everything in-between! You can find them in both the freezer and refrigerator sections at stores like Rainbow (if you're lucky enough to live in SF) or Whole Foods. Sometimes regular retail chains like Safeway or Publix will carry them as well. www.gardein.com

Breakfast "sausage"

Another meat substitute that I eat literally every morning for breakfast is Litelife's Gimme Lean Breakfast "Sausage" which is a mere 1 pt per 2 ounce serving and delicious! I'm not a huge fan of their ground "beef", but that's just me.

http://www.lightlife.com/product_detail.jsp?p=gimmeleansausage

Moving on to more basic meat substitues, which can take on any flavor you want them to...

Seitan 

Seitan is a fantastic source of protein, is low fat and low carb. A popular brand if you don't want to make it yourself (it's super easy...I'll post a simple recipe later), is West Soy. They have both chicken and beef style strips and chunks that are great in stir-frys or really anywhere you would use meat. For some reason the West Soy website only lists their non-dairy milks (which are pretty good too) , but not their seitan products, so above is an image of one variation.
www.westsoy.biz

Tempeh "bacon"

Tempeh, which is made from fermented soy beans, is another great meat-free option packed with protein and fiber and is low in fat. Lightlife makes a great Fakin; Bacon that I sometimes have for breakfast on the weekends or in a No-BLT. Three slices are 2 pts and because of the seasonings they use, you'll never miss the real thing! Tempeh comes either plain or flavored. If you get the plain kind, you can marinate it so that it takes on any flavor you want it to!

http://www.lightlife.com/

Tofu

And, last but not least, good ol' tofu! I love tofu because it is so incredibly versatile. Extra firm tofu has more of a meaty texture...especially if you bake it, and silken tofu can be used in sauces and desserts due to its almost liquidy consistency. A lot of recipes will tell you to press the tofu blocks to make them more firm and get all the water out. You can totally do this, but if you are short on time. When you buy your blocks of firm, or extra firm tofu, put them in the freezer. When you need to use them, just barely defrost in the microwave and they are ready to go and a lot firmer than when you bought them! I can't remember where I picked up that little tip, but thank you, whoever told me that! Tofu is also high in protein and fiber and low in fat. You can prepare it pretty much any way you want, but one of my favorite ways is to  cube it and braise it in a dry pan until all sides are golden. from there you can add it to salads, soups, whatever! There are many brands to chose from, but one of the most economical choices is Trader Joe's. It cheap and really good!

Hopefully this list is helpful in getting you started with meat substitutes. Not only is it a good thing for your health, it is a great thing for the environment and animals everywhere!

Of course, if anyone else has any other favorites or suggestions for my WW friends, please comment below!