Protein’s image is closely tied to meat sources, yet there are plenty of tasty plant-based ways to get more protein into your diet that shouldn’t be missed. Proteins look like building blocks of our body, the central component of our skin, organs, muscles and eyes, hair and nails. Protein is also essential to our immune system, helping make antibodies to fight infections.
While protein deficiency is rare in the West, it’s beneficial to get it from high-quality sources for maximum health benefits. Plant-based proteins are often more sustainable and are beneficial for gut and heart health. Here, we look at six delicious, healthy and simple ways to give your day a plant-based protein punch.
Slather Peanut Butter On Toast
Not only are peanuts delicious, but they also pack more protein than most other nuts. Peanut butter is a tasty way to give a protein kick to your slice of toast. Its creamy texture pairs well with many ingredients too, like apple, pear, celery and banana slices.
A dollop of peanut butter can boost your snacks’ protein content and help decrease appetite, increase fat burning, and reduce blood sugar levels.
Swap Sugary Sodas For Sparkling Spirulina
Sodas are generally full of sugar and artificial sweeteners, with little to no nutrition. Fortunately, innovative companies have created alternatives to diet soda, such as sparkling drinks with unique benefits, like added protein.
One example is the bright blue spirulina drinks made by Ful. Spirulina is a blue-green alga rich in chlorophyll and a great source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and sustainable protein. This ready-made, chlorophyll drink is perfect for protein on the go while satisfying your craving for something fizzy.
Sprinkle Flax Seeds On Your Cereal
With a mild, nutty flavour, these little seeds can be a tasty and nutritious ingredient to your bowl of porridge. Flax seeds are a fantastic source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids that can help remove inflammation. They’re also high in fibre and a fantastic source of protein.
Add Lentils To Soup
Both red and green lentils are healthy sources of protein and fibre. One serving provides around 20% of your daily requirement of protein. They make a tasty ingredient in soup, creating a creamy texture and can help you stay fuller for longer.
Snack On Edamame
Edamame beans are young, green steamed soybeans and a popular snack originating from east Asia. While all legumes are high in protein, soybeans take the crown for being amongst the highest.
Fresh, salted, unshelled edamame pods are a popular high-protein, low-fat snack. Edamame beans can also be purchased frozen and added to stir-fries and salads. So you get a tasty and healthy weight-loss drink.
Blend Chia Seeds Into Smoothies
These tiny seeds become gelatinous when added to water. They’re low-calorie and high in fibre, plant-based omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
You can mix chia seeds into smoothies, and if soaked in water, plant-based yogurt, or milk, they can be made into a plant-based pudding.
Final Words
Protein is an essential part of our diet, so eating a variety of plant-based proteins is a great way to stay healthy, whatever diet you adhere to. So, why not try out some of these potentially new ways to get more protein into your diet? After all, variety is the fine spice of life!