Following a plant-based diet has its perks, but it also has some hitches. One of its biggest challenges is learning how to get enough protein in meals. Most people know that animal products are rich in protein, but what they may not be aware of is that numerous plant products contain even more protein than meat.
If you chose to reduce or completely cut off your animal product intake, but are confused about where to find foods that are a good source of protein, then this article is for you. Here are 6 ways to get enough protein in your diet if you’re following a plant-based one.
1. Good Old Peanut Butter and Jam
Remember when your mom made you peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for breakfast or lunch at school? If you were thinking the reason is the yummy taste, you’re not wrong, but there’s an extremely nutritious reason behind it as well. Peanuts are an extraordinary source of protein, so munching on some or making a peanut butter sandwich would be a perfect meal. You may go for peanut powder as well if you like peanuts but feel that the butter isn’t your cup of tea.
2. Soy Products
One of the healthiest and most popular soy products is tofu. What makes tofu so cool is that it doesn’t have a specific taste, but it takes on the taste of whatever you’re adding it to. This means you can choose to add it to whichever recipes you prefer, enjoying a Plant Protein Diet meal that is both healthy and delicious. Another excellent soy product that has been proven to be a great source of protein is edamame. They’re basically soy seeds that you need to boil before you eat, and you can add them to any plate you’re eating. They don’t have a strong taste, but they are slightly sweet and have a bit of a grassy flavor.
3. Green Vegetables
Green vegetables are some of the healthiest foods out there, and this is wonderful news for vegetarians and vegans. Studies show that green veggies are tremendously nutritious since they contain fiber, a variety of vitamins like vitamin A, K, D, and more, minerals, iron, and protein. They’re best eaten raw for ultimate health benefits, but they’re still healthy if you cook them in any way you prefer. Our bodies absorb nutrients easier though when veggies are cooked, so they’re highly beneficial in any case. Another bonus to green veggies is that they’re very low in calories, so eat as much as you want and you won’t gain a pound.
4. Use Whole Grain Toast for Sandwiches
Whole grain bread is generally tremendously healthy for the fiber it contains, but what you may not have known is that it’s one of the best foods that contain sufficient amounts of protein. Now if you make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with whole-grain toast, you’ll have yourself a perfect protein serving full of the nutritious elements your body needs to stay healthy and active.
5. Nuts and Seeds
All nuts contain protein, and a good amount of it as well. You can keep a bag of nuts with you for a healthy, tasty snack whenever you get hungry. Both nuts and seeds also contain vitamins, minerals, iron, phosphorus, and more essential elements your body needs to stay healthy and boost its immunity. If you don’t like to eat them on their own, you can always mix them up on your plates or add them to your salads.
6. All Types of Beans
Whether you prefer green peas, red beans, or lentils, you’ll be getting the protein intake you need from either of them. Legumes would make a great addition to your plant-based diet for more than increasing your protein intake. Beans contain iron, manganese, folate, fiber, potassium, and many other nutrients that are necessary to your body for a high-quality, healthy lifestyle. Another plus about beans is that they don’t have a strong taste, so you can add the ingredients and/or herbs you like to them and they will surely taste amazing.
Meat, milk, eggs, and other animal products are not the only source of protein out there. In fact, there are so many plant products that contain more protein than many animal products. So whether you’re a vegetarian who prefers plant-based foods, or a vegan who chooses to avoid animal products altogether, you will always be able to find the protein supply your body requires in many other foods. Whatever you choose for a lifestyle, the most important thing to do is make sure you stay healthy and safe.