Substituting vegetables for animal protein is easy and can save you money and calories. Vegetables are often less expensive than meat products and are also lower in calories. Checking the protein amounts in the vegetables you choose can make sure that you incorporate enough protein into your diet.

Beans and legumes are full of protein and there are many tasty dishes that can use these as a substitution for meat products. All Mexican dishes taste great with beans instead of meat. Beans and rice mixed with tomatoes and chili peppers can be wrapped in a tortilla for a substitute for tacos. Beans and peas can be combined with other vegetables with Mexican spices for a hearty winter soup. Try substituting beans for meat in any south of the border dish. Use your imagination and you may come up with some amazing meatless dishes that are healthy and full of protein.

Most Italian dishes can substitute things like cottage cheese or tofu for meat and still be tasty and contain more that enough protein. Americans probably eat too much protein and a quick check of nutritional charts can tell you how much you are getting daily. It is easy to find substitutes for meat in products such as nuts, seeds, beans, peas, legumes, eggs and brown rice. Many vegetables we do not suspect have many grams of protein in them. Even those who are not wishing to become vegan or vegetarians can benefit from substituting plant based proteins for meat in a few meals every week. Try having peanut butter sandwiches or hummus or avocado wrapped in a tortilla for lunch. You can add bean sprouts, and other vegetables to your wrap for a great tasting and healthy lunch. Small changes are a good way to start and can make a big difference in our health.