The Best Protein for Vegetarian Bodybuiders

Vegetarians are people who choose to not eat meat. For some vegetarians, it is an animal cruelty issue. For others, it's a health matter, since red meat has been linked to heart disease. Meat is where most people get their necessary protein, so vegetarians must seek out other protein sources. Bodybuilders, specifically, need a lot of protein to build strong muscles.

Soy

• Soy beans are an excellent source of protein. According to Body Building, soy has better protein quality than beef. It contains eight essential amino acids, which are necessary for muscle growth and recuperation. Soy comes in many different forms, including tofu, seitan, tempeh, miso and powder.

Fish

• Some vegetarians choose to eat fish. Fish supplies the same amount of protein as meat, but without as many grams of fat. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, a 6-oz. salmon fillet contains 34 g of protein, which is only 4 g less than a 6-oz. porterhouse steak. Since bodybuilders have to watch the amount of fat they take in, fish is a great source of lean protein.

Animal By-products

• Even though vegetarians don't eat animals, they still eat animal by-products (unless they are vegans). Animal by-products include dairy and eggs. Eggs, including the egg yolk, are a great source or protein, according to Baseline of Health Foundation. A great source of protein for those trying to build strong muscles is dairy.