Replacing milk protein

[obamanut2012]

I've recently changed from cow's milk to almond milk and coconut milk yogurt. The thing is, I'm losing ALOT of complete protein that I got every day from milk yogurt and milk.

Any suggestions on the best (ie easiest and cheapest) way to replace this?

[Melissa G]

1. Are you getting rid of all milk products

or just cow's milk?

[obamanut2012]

2. I'm not sure

I would like to get rid of all of it, because a friend's asthma has gotten so much better since she did so, but I've also been told goat's milk products would be okay.

Suggestions? Opinions? Advice?

[Melissa G]

4. I'm not a fan of the flavor of goat's milk

but many of my friends are and use that instead. I would if I liked it more.

My strategy is to ditch almost all the cow's milk, (I use almond, soy, rice and sometimes hazelnut subs), but keep some mozzarella and feta in my diet. This keeps me from cramping. I noticed a significant uptick in leg cramps when I ditched the mozzarella and feta. Plus I LIKE IT!

I also keep some sour cream around for some culture and yogurt buttermilk ranch dressing. I like the occasional bit of non fat Greek yogurt every couple to three months.

I am not neurotic about some milk sneaking in my mashed potatoes, but there are subs like mayo and parmesan which is what restaurants sometimes do. I learned that when I used to cook professionally a million years ago.

My favorite not much dairy treat is Almond Dream Bites...If you get started on these you may curse me for turning you on to them.
Consider that fair warning.

[NRaleighLiberal]

3. The China Study book indicates that it is a good thing to move from milk to plant protein.

we just finished listening to it on CD - great book, some compelling things to ponder.

[HopeHoops]

5. Add quinoa and amaranth to your diet (they work well IN dishes too).

[obamanut2012]

6. I eat quinoa about once a day

It's been a terrific protein. I also eat it alot for breakfast as a type of porridge.

[HopeHoops]

7. I love adding it to soups. It not only thickens them, but you get those little cute rings.

(I call them worms). But it is a great thickener, despite being nutritious.

[obamanut2012]

8. I do that too!

[Melissa G]

9. We have also not mentioned nuts on this thread

I do a lot of almonds and some walnuts. I like quinoa and amaranth also!

I also do the meat analogs. Riblets are my favorite. Veggie chorizo is my second fave. I am not a big fan of soy and do the analogs in moderation, but once in a while they hit the spot.

[obamanut2012]

10. I'm not a big soy person either

But, I like the buffalo wings on occasion, and quite a few of the Gardein products. On occasion. I've wondered how the chorizo is.

[The empressof all]

11. The soyrizo is pretty good

I add it to sweet potato chili and it's nice in lentil soup.

[obamanut2012]

12. Do you crisp it first?

[The empressof all]

15. I do crisp it up

I also find a little goes a long way. It has a very strong flavor so I would suggest you go with the less is more practice.

[flvegan]

13. Hemp, soy, and spirulina.

And that's just in powdered form a/k/a cheapest and easiest.

[obamanut2012]

14. Googling spirulina

I have no idea what that is.

[Melissa G]

18. I am Blood Type O

My chiropractor got onto me about not eating breakfast.

I had always been a spirulina fan and started doing spirulina stirred into OJ in the morning as a compromise to the little to no breakfast aspect of my life.

I started feeling worse. Gave up the OJ and spirulina and started feeling better. Both are not good for Blood type O. I gave the spirulina to my blood type A friend. She likes it fine.

[freshwest]

16. I'm partial to chia seed and avocadoes. You can add both to smoothies. Soak the chia seeds first.

Here's a little about chia seeds:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/318361-chia-seeds-protein-value-and-nutritional-value/

And about avocadoes:

http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1843/2

[obamanut2012]

17. I've been using chia for about three years

I'm a huge runner and read "Born to Run" even before it came out (advance reader's copy)! I swear by it.