PLANT BASED PROTEINS
As much as I love my chicken I am definitely trying to add in more plant based meals in order to mix things up and to help with the environment. Though with plant based diets it can be hard to make sure you’re getting enough protein, so here are some great sources to be adding to your dishes~
Beans: black, pinto, navy, kidney, garbanzo, etc. These are a great source of protein as well as fiber!
Lentils: also full fiber-use to top salads, add into soup, and chili.
Edamame: great for an appetizer or on top of a salad. High in fiber and vitamin K as well.
Quinoa: this is a complete protein and a gluten free grain that is great as a side dish, on salads, or as a cereal.
Oats: oats are not only a great source of protein, but also fiber, healthy fats, complex carbs, and iron! For a protein filled breakfast top your oatmeal with peanut butter.
Chia/Flax/Hemp Seeds: also provide healthy fats and fiber with iron. Great to top your oats with, bake with, add to pancakes/waffles, making chia pudding, and more.
Nuts/Seeds: walnuts, almonds, pistachios, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc. There are great for snacking, topping, baking, all the things! Also provide those healthy fats, magnesium, iron, and other essential vitamins and minerals.
Broccoli: one of the highest veggie proteins-pair with a potato and beans for the ultimate protein boost.
Sweet Potato/Potatoes: surprisingly come in at 4-5g of protein.
Tofu: soy products are a good source of protein-great sub for chicken-based meals.
Nutritional Yeast: a non dairy cheese like flake-great to top on salads, pasta, popcorn, grain bowls, and more!
As you can see there are plenty of options for plant based proteins and this isn’t even all of them! Try pairing some of these options together to obtain even more protein-if you feel like you’re missing out on some. Happy Eating!
Sweet potato with peanut butter and chia seeds.
Overnight oats with berries, almond butter, and granola
Veggie burger with kale, sweet potato, zucchini, and cashew pesto