protein is supposed to help satisfy you, which if why so many diet know-it-alls say that you should include some protein in every meal. but does it have to be a complete protein? aka, in order to give you that sense of satisfaction, do you have to have all 9 essential amino acids in what you're eating?
There's actually protien in everything ... yup, even your shredded wheat has some protien. Protien will help you stay feeling full longer - but it doesn't have to be meat or beans etc. There are lots of protien powders as well that sprinkled on breakfast will help you stay feeling full longer.
cottage cheese = most amazing source of protein ever.
I don't know about the 'complete protein' thing and suspect it's been overplayed. What I do think is important is to get a good range of protein (and the other food-groups) from as wide a variety of foods as possible. So I do agree with the idea of some protein at every meal although I think there are enough natural sources that you don't need to resort to powders. If you don't eat meat or fish there are seeds, nuts, eggs, dairy products, tofu, beans, lentils etc.... plenty to choose from. Fats and fibre in the diet also add to the satisfaction level of a meal.
My diet is about 35-40 percent fat, lots of coconut, butter, nuts, seeds, chicken with the skin, fish, etc. Im not veggie btw, but...
the point is, i find the root of many cravings and problems is a lack of fat. throw the Food pyramid out the window for a few days, and try to eat more fat, espeically saturated fat, and stuff like olive oil. i at least noticed that ive had more energy, less cravings and such.
complete protiens such as cheese, eggs, fish, chicken, etc.
But there are good soures of complete protien in a vegan diet too, hemp seeds, flaxseeds, soy ( FERMENTED!! ahhhh!) and soaked and long cooked beans. Also, grains like quinoa, amaranth and buckwheat are complete protiens. but make sure you properly prepare your grains, seeds and beans if you are going to only eat them as your protien sources.
for me i try to have a grain with legume/seed at every meal & snack if possible. i also have some fat every meal. i find it keeps me satisfied, but i also lift & need my protein. i like to have protein consistently throughout the day. i also have about 5-8 meal/snacks a day which helps to keep me satisfied. one of my favourite snacks are peanut butter spread on a rye cracker.
Original Post by rnjt:
for me i try to have a grain with legume/seed at every meal & snack if possible. i also have some fat every meal. i find it keeps me satisfied, but i also lift & need my protein. i like to have protein consistently throughout the day. i also have about 5-8 meal/snacks a day which helps to keep me satisfied. one of my favourite snacks are peanut butter spread on a rye cracker.
mmmm...i eat peanut butter on rye toast almost every morning. best breakfast ever :P
Original Post by specca:
Original Post by rnjt:
for me i try to have a grain with legume/seed at every meal & snack if possible. i also have some fat every meal. i find it keeps me satisfied, but i also lift & need my protein. i like to have protein consistently throughout the day. i also have about 5-8 meal/snacks a day which helps to keep me satisfied. one of my favourite snacks are peanut butter spread on a rye cracker.
mmmm...i eat peanut butter on rye toast almost every morning. best breakfast ever :P
for an extra treat i spread some honey on top. its almost better than choc.
Original Post by rnjt:for an extra treat i spread some honey on top. its almost better than choc.
Oh, no! The great honey controversy.. Aaaahhhhh!!! 
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