Protein.

Most people are aware that everyone needs protein.  But why do we need protein?  Where does it come from?
Protein makes up about 45% of the human body.  It is found in muscles, bones, hemoglobin, myoglobin, hormones, antibodies, and enzymes.  Protein is necessary for building and repairing tissue, it produces enzymes and hormones,  it regulates water balancing, transports nutrients, and helps muscles contract.  Protein helps us resist diseases, and gives us energy and stamina.
I imagine that when the word protein is mentioned, almost everyone pictures some sort of meat.  Meat definitely fits into that category.  There are also lots of other sources of protein available, that may be less expensive, or carry some different vitamins and minerals than what are commonly found in meat.
If you are looking to think outside of the box, here is a list of things that you can add to the blender to help meet the dietary need for protein.

Milk Products:  Cheese (some are better than other-with the highest being Parmesan  and Yogurt both are high sources, but really milk, and all products produced from milk, contain protein.

Legumes:  Nuts, Beans, Seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, flax, chia, etc.), Peas, Lentils.

Vegetable:  Corn, Tomatoes, Soy, Brussel Sprouts, Spinach, Broccoli, Asparagus, Greens, Kale, Cauliflower, Cucumbers, Cabbage, Parsley, Mushrooms, Green Peppers, Avocado.

Fruit: Dried Fruits (dried apricots, raisins, prunes, dried figs), Passion Fruit, Kumquat, Mulberries, Currants (black and red), Blackberries.

Grains:  Oats, Wheat Flour, Whole wheat pasta, Egg noodles, Buckwheat, Millet, Rice, Quinoa, Barley, Rye, Bulgar, Spelt.

The biggest thing with proteins is that they all contain amino acids.  You need sources that have all of the different amino acids. There are some foods though, that are 'complete proteins' so they contain all of the amino acids you need.  All animal products (meat, eggs, fish, milk) are complete proteins.  Quinoa is as well (and as I mentioned before, one of my favorite foods because of how rich it is in so many areas).
As long as you are getting a wide variety of protein sources, you will get all of the amino acids you need.  Some of the complete combinations are things you likely eat together anyway (or at least we do), beans and rice (ours always had tomatoes and corn as well...lots of protein), hummus and pita bread, and the list goes on.
If you are overly worried about protein, you probably don't need to by.  Pretty much every resource out there says most Americans are getting enough protein   Even those who are vegetarian or vegan.  The greater issue is too much protein in our diets.

What are some of your favorite non-meat sources of protein?