Hi Demi,
When I was a vegetarian,I was not aware of eating good sources of protein.It's great that you are aware of this.Since I have become ill, I have learned so much about optimum nutrition and if I am ever to be vegetarian in the future I will be a great one! Have you heard of a grain called Quinoa?
It's a wonderful food,available in grain,flours,breads,flakes, it is a cereal but a complete protein &high in many minerals.
Nutritionally it is said to be the closest food to perfect.
I have this on days when I have not been up to going to the shops.Also like you said mixing beans &rice is good,
but not beans from a can,(which will leach the aluminium!)
If you soak dried beans in water overnight they take much less time to cook.You most likely know all this already...
and having vit c rich foods withmeals to help iron absorption.
Although you prob.know all this,I didn't before and wish someone had told me!So hope I'm not annoying you!
I think that people have to do what feels right for them,eating meat makes me feel strong,it was tough to do at first,but I know it has helped me.But everyone's unique,it may suit you to be a vegetarian.I wouldn't be put off by anyone saying that vegetarians cannot recover from the mercury.Maybe it takes a little longer??Anyone have the facts?
If you need to be vegetarian & believe you can recover,that is more powerful than anything.
If you have not yet tried quinoa,you should,it's a super food.
Sunflower
ps.you were saying how you thought it was easier to buy&
prepare meat! I think it's the same either way.I only eat organic food,at least 95%.So it does involve going to specific shops and not the local convenience store where you would surely find those spices etc.that you mentioned.
It does take effort & preparation but it's really worth it.