Proteins are dubbed as the building blocks of life. They break down the amino acids in your body and promote cell repair and growth. This makes them an essential part of your diet. However, the major sources of protein are meat and dairy-based. That means if you’re vegan, you will have to find another way to fill up on this essential nutrient to meet your daily recommendation of protein (which is around 46 to 56 grams per day). Luckily, there are fantastic plant-based sources that you can turn to. Here’s a list of vegan protein foods:
Beans: Whether you pick black, white, kidney or pinto beans, all of them have high amounts of protein. For instance, two cups of kidney beans or dry beans contain about 26-30 grams, which is almost the same amount of protein you’d get from a Big Mac, or a 3-ounce piece of meat.
Green Peas: Like most other legumes, green peas are a good source of protein. A single cup contains 7.9 grams; that’s almost the same amount as a cup of milk.
Quinoa: Unlike most other grains, quinoa contains more than 8 grams of protein per cup. It also contains all nine essential amino acids that aid in the repair and growth of cells. To get started with quinoa, try these trendy recipes today.
Nuts & Nut Butter: Both these foods contain healthy fats and protein, making them an essential part of a plant-based diet. Nuts like almonds, pistachios and cashews contain about 5-6 grams of proteins per ounce. Go ahead, add them to your salad or smoothie.
Chia Seeds: A vegan favorite, chia seeds can be blended with several foods. Just sprinkle two tablespoons on your smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal or salad for about 4.7 grams of protein.
Read More:
10 Reasons To Love Being Vegan
15 Reasons To Go Vegan In 2015
