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The key to eating well…
by Patricia Scholes
…is completing your diet with protein.
First of all a disclaimer—I am NOT a vegetarian. I love meat, and will eat it whenever I can afford it. But since meat is not always in my budget, I have learned how to complete my diet with vegetable protein.
Second disclaimer—vegetable proteins work for humans, not our carnivorous pets. Our cats and dogs need meat. Putting them on a vegetable only diet will cause them to go blind. Take care of your little people. They depend on you to be wise as well as caring.
Beans:
Most people know that dried beans, peas and lentils are loaded with protein. But most do not also know that they are an incomplete protein, meaning that they do not have all the essential amino acids that our bodies need. So we must supplement them.
Beans and cornbread
Beans and tortillas, wheat or corn
Beans and rice
All of these make a complete protein. In other words, any legume product with any grain product make a complete protein.
Grains:
Do you like milk with your cereal? Have you ever wondered why? It’s because cereal and milk make a complete protein.
Cereal and milk
Rice pudding made with milk
Rice and cheese
All of these make a complete protein. In other words, any grain product with any milk product make a complete protein.
Eggs:
Eggs are nearly complete. They only need a little bit of help.
Eggs and toast
Eggs and cheese
Creamed eggs over biscuits
All of these make a complete protein. In other words, eggs with any milk product or any grain product make a complete protein.
Potatoes:
Really? Yes. Potatoes with any milk product make a complete protein. So enjoy your scalloped potatoes, or eat your potatoes with cream gravy, or your baked potato with cheese, and never feel guilty again!
However, if you’re on a diet to lose weight, you may reconsider the gravy.