When you think of protein, do you automatically picture meat? Well, meat is definitely protein, but there are also vegetarian sources of protein with a valuable supply of nutrients that your body craves. I'm talking tofu, whole grains, edamame, quinoa, beans, nuts, seeds, etc.

A recent study published in the journal Circulation found that the nutrient glutamic acid can help reduce blood pressure and risk of heart disease and stroke (Ref: Women's Health Mag, Dec. ‘09, p. 30). This amino acid is found in those vegetarian protein sources I mentioned above (as well as meats and cheeses).

Try to add more vegetarian protein sources to your weekly diet. Edamame are a great snack to have after work when you're really hungry and need something to munch on before dinner. You can buy packages of them frozen in most grocery stores (look in the organic/natural section if you can't find them next to the other veggies).

Also, I found a wonderful Three-Bean Salad recipe with quinoa on the Whole Foods site. You don't even need their store brand salad dressing (although it's probably delish), just mix together some olive oil, vinegar, and cracked pepper for an easy substitution.