Inexpensive ways to make sure a vegetarian diet has adequate protein?

I have an autistic child and am interested in preparing more vegetarian meals, but am on food stamps and only get $360 a month. I would like to make meals that mimic meat and offer adequate protein and nutrients. He loves meat and I would like to try meatless stuff that maybe you can't tell isn't meat? Any advice on this would be great.Inexpensive ways to make sure a vegetarian diet has adequate protein?
the best meat substitute that i have ever tired is Quorn products- they have different types of chicken and a ground beef; seriously most of this stuff could fool a die-hard carnivore. and it has a comparable amount of protein to meat. add a side dish of beans and you have your protein for the day!

seriously though, Quorn fake-meats are awesome and have an awesome texture and taste- no fake veggie patty flavor in their stuff. they aren't dirt cheap like a can of black beans but in no way are they overpriced. i can buy some of their products at Harris Teeter here in NC, they also probably sell it at your local health food store and definitely at Whole Foods.



if you go vegetarian (or even if you don't) make sure you and your child are taking a good multivitamin as well. you will find that your protein intake target is easy to reach with out even trying, but the multivitamin will help with things like you B vitamin levels (which give you more energy! yay!!) some of them are pricey up front, but if you break it down it will add up to $5 a week which is well worth it. unfortunately they are not buy-able with food stamps, which is ridiculous (but hey, a lot of food stamp requirements and rules are pretty ridiculous aren't they?)
Beans and pulses like lentils etc. Cheap, and full of protein.Inexpensive ways to make sure a vegetarian diet has adequate protein?
Beans

Tofu or soy meat



But he will be able to tell that the tofu or bean burger isn't meat. They are high in protein but nothing tastes like meat except meat.



If he likes A-1 sauce you might could season the tofu with that so the A-1 taste is familiar.
Go to (gosh I can't believe Im recommending this site again, they should pay me for this!)

It's called dixiediners.com it's in Texas, and they have this product called "Beef-Not"

it's dehydrated so you have to reconstitute it , it is the most beef like stuff I have eaten.

It has a shelf life of like forever?

Also peanutbutter has lots of protein and it's really cheap!Inexpensive ways to make sure a vegetarian diet has adequate protein?
The meatless stuff isnt inexpensive and although some brands are close in texture and taste, an autistic child would probably know the difference. For vegetarian meals that are family favorites, how about whole wheat pasta with sauce? Pasta is a very good protein source. How about eggs and dairy products like yogurt, milk and cheese?
Rice and beens



Read - The Protein Myth

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

http://www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo/vsk/p鈥?/a>
beans/lentils/nuts/seeds/quinoa/amaranth鈥?br>


also, for autism, have you looked into the casein/gluten free diet? Its supposed to help improve autism very effectively. you can email me from my profile for more info on it. (im on the diet for other reasons)
Sprouts have a ton of Protein for their calorie content. They're are pretty cheap and cheaper if you sprout them yourself.