What’s the first question you get when you tell friends and family that you’re vegan? “Do you get enough protein?”
Protein is an important part of our daily diet because it helps in maintaining metabolism function, boosting energy levels, and stabilizing blood sugar levels. Protein is also essential for the building of muscle mass, digestion, neurological function and balancing of hormone levels in the body.
A lot of people who are trying to lose or maintain a healthy weight try to consume a higher proportion of animal proteins in their diets, because they believe that carbohydrates are bad and protein helps us stay fuller for longer. But is it true?
A Different View of Protein
There is a huge myth surrounding the sources and consumption of protein. Most people tend to believe that meat is the only good source of protein and that it should be incorporated into every meal of the day. Recent studies suggest that a plant-based diet can easily meet our daily protein requirements.
It is important to understand that the body can use only a certain amount of protein in one go. Whatever is left undigested will be stored as fat and might even harm your body. Snacks containing protein that are eaten throughout the day can be more beneficial than consuming big sources of protein at every meal. When you eat small portions of protein at regular intervals, especially during breakfast, you are likely to benefit the most.
For vegans and vegetarians, it is a good idea to combine various plant-based foods to create a meal that contains all the essential macro and micro nutrients. A balance of high-quality, plant-based proteins, carbohydrates, and fats at every meal is ideal. For example, you could consider combining whole-grains and veggies or beans and rice.
Plant-based Proteins
Here is a list of the top 25 delicious sources of vegan protein:
1. Lentils
2. Kale
3. Tofu
4. Quinoa
5. Black beans
6. Artichokes
7. Soy milk
8. Green peas
9. Hemp seeds
10. Chia seeds
11. Peanut butter
12. Oatmeal
13. Edamame
14. Hemp milk
15. Tempeh
16. Spinach
17. Green beans
18. Broccoli
19. Spirulina
20. Black-eyed peas
21. Almonds
22. Asparagus
23. Tahini
24. Chickpeas
25. Pumpkin seeds
There are so many different ways in which you can incorporate these 25 plant-based sources of vegan protein into your daily diet. Make soups, curries, breakfast burritos, desserts, smoothies and other delicious recipes with these ingredients and get your daily dose of protein!
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