Proteins are known as the building blocks of life. There are two main types of proteins; Animal Protein and Vegetable Protein. Animal products like meat, eggs and dairy are good sources of protein but they can also be high in saturated fat and cholesterol.
Vegan’s and Vegetarians can be rest assured that they can get enough protein throughout the day as long as they incorporate the below foods into their diets.
Legumes/Green Peas:
Foods in the legume family are a great source of vegetarian protein, and peas are no exception. If you don’t like peas in your food, try blending them into a pesto or hummus.
Quinoa:
Most grains contain only a small amount of protein, Quinoa on the other hand is known for its high protein content. The seeds contain 8grams of protein per cup and pack all nine essential amino acids into your body. Quinoa can be added to soup, made as a pulao, be used as a rice substitute, be served like oatmeal with fruit as a hot breakfast, or be incorporated into a refreshing salad.
Nuts:
All nuts contain both healthy fats and protein, making them a valuable part of a plant-based diet. They give vegetarians a guiltless protein source that rivals any meat! Nuts are a healthy and nutritious snack to munch on between meals. Almonds, Cashews, Walnuts and Peanuts contain large quantities of protein.
Beans:
There are many different varieties of beans like black, white, pinto, heirloom and more, but one thing they all have in common is their high amounts of protein. Beans can be cooked in different ways and can be had as a side or main dish.
Chickpeas:
Chickpeas are also very high in protein which help to boost digestion and control blood sugar levels. They can be tossed into salads, roasted as a crispy snack, or pureed into a hummus.
Tofu:
Foods made from soybeans are some of the highest sources of protein. They’re highly nutritious, and can be delicious too. They can be used in multiple ways like a veggie stir fry or served with gravy.
Leafy Greens:
Vegetables don’t have nearly as much protein as legumes and nuts, but some do contain significant amounts such as broccoli, spinach, asparagus, Brussel sprouts. Leafy vegetables can be eaten raw in a salad or cooked to make various dishes.
Chia Seeds:
Chia seeds are a store house of protein and provide energy boosting power. Chia seeds can be sprinkled over salads, stirred into yogurt or oatmeal, blended into smoothies, or they can take centre stage with a chia pudding.
View our healthy range of foods here.
