Want to try out Semi-vegetarianism.

[HlynurT]

Hi!
I'm kind of new to this subject of vegetarianism so I have few questions:

First, I'd like to build muscles and loose fat from my body, but where do vegetarians get their protein supplies?
After reading the book Fit for Life I've started the habit of only eating fruits before noon each day, and I've found great increase in energy throughout my day!

[Holistic Star]

There's more protein in vegetables that you think.

e.g. cabbage is 22% protein. Even the humble potato has 11% protein.

The amount of protein that is actually bioavailable from meat and fish after it is cooked is a lot lower than its raw weight because a lot is destroyed from cooking.

I get my protein from hemp seeds, lots of green leafy vegetables (which are high in animo acids, the building blocks of protein) other kinds of seeds (eg sunflower), nuts, spirulina.

If you're going vegetarian and not vegan you can also use cheese, milk and meat substitutes although watch out for fat content.

What's more inportant that protein is getting enough minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients into your diet and you can do that by eating a variety of multi coloured vegetables into your diet.

Omega 3 is very important. Fish oils have the long chain version or flax oils / seeds have the short chain version. (You might need additional EPA supplement if you go the flax oil route).

Also getting healthy fats rather than saturated or trans fats (from processed food) is important in burning fat. Avocado, coconut and olives are good sources of healthy fat.