Vegan diets can be a great way to go for those who are health-conscious, environmentally conscious, and compassionate towards animals. Any vegan knows that a healthy diet is vital to their health, which is why finding a good source of protein is very important. There are several plant-based alternatives that vegans depend on to meet their daily protein requirements.
There are many different foods available for vegans that can help them get the right amount of protein. Some of these include:
Nuts
Nuts are a great source of protein, but they also offer beneficial fatty acids and fiber. Some nuts, like almonds and peanuts, contain calcium and magnesium. They also contain phytochemicals that have antioxidant properties.
Soy
Soy products include tofu (made from soybeans), tempeh (made out of fermented soybeans), edamame (green soybeans), soy milk, soy ice cream and miso. These products are a complete protein source and contain quality amino acids, making them the most well-known vegan sources of protein.
Black beans
The vegan gold standard, black beans offer 18 grams of protein per cup. They take well to chili and other Mexican dishes, making them a popular choice at restaurants that cater to vegetarians.
Protein powder
If you’re having trouble meeting your daily protein quota with whole foods alone, consider adding a scoop or two (or more!) of high-quality vegan protein powder to your smoothie or shake.
Soymilk
Soymilk is a common alternative to dairy milk and it can be used in any recipe that calls for normal milk or cream. Soymilk is also high in protein.
Tofu
Tofu is a great starting point for people who are just getting into vegetarianism or veganism. It’s produced from soybeans, which makes it high in protein and not as heavy as some other plant-based sources of protein.
