Getting the Protein You Need From a Plant-Based Diet


Those who follow a plant-based diet are subject to a lot of questions from their family and friends. You might have heard some of them yourself, such as "Don't you miss meat?" or "Aren't all the meals boring?" The answer to both of these is no, by the way. But there probably isn't a more common concerned question than this one: "How do you get enough protein?" 

There is a common misconception that the best and only way to get enough protein in your diet is by consuming meat. The recommended amount of protein is 0.36 grams per pound of weight. So, if you are a 150-pound female, you'll want to get around 54 grams of protein in your diet every day. It's simply not true that the only way to get that amount of protein in your diet requires you to eat meat. Those who have followed a plant-based diet for a while can tell you that there are a lot of delicious plant-based foods out there that provide the necessary protein. 

Our plant-based meal delivery service has been carefully planning meals that provide our customers with the protein they need, along with all of the other nutrients their body requires, without the inclusion of meat or other animal products. Here are some of our favorite plant-based proteins! 

 

Try These Plant-Based Proteins 

Lentils

Lentils are absolutely packed with protein. Every cup of cooked lentils will add 18 grams of protein to your meal, putting you well on your way to your daily goal. Lentils are great for their versatility as well as their price. Use them as a meat substitute and spice them up any way you like. Lentils can even be used to make vegetarian meatballs on your spaghetti. They are very affordable, too, giving you a cheap way to pack in more plant-based protein in every meal. They hold flavor well and pair with veggies for a great, filling, and healthy dish. They are also a low-calorie addition to your meal and could help lower your cholesterol.

Edamame

If you love popping edamame out of its shell and into your mouth, rejoice! This favorite food is also a great source of protein. One serving of the bright green beans will bring around 20 grams of protein to your diet. Serve them plain with a little sea salt sprinkled on top; great for an afternoon snack or a hearty appetizer. You can also take them out of their shell and add them to your salads or stir-fry mixtures for an extra dose of protein. Stick to organic soybeans, though; many of the varieties grown within the United States are done so with the use of pesticides. 

Pumpkin Seeds

Seeds are a great source of protein! Just a quarter of a cup of pumpkin seeds will bring around 7 grams of protein into your meal. Protein isn't all they are bringing to the table, either. You'll get a healthy dose of magnesium, zinc, and healthy fats in your pumpkin seeds as well. The nutrients in pumpkin seeds can have a positive impact on heart health. Pumpkin seeds are super versatile, too. You can add them to your breakfast, toss a handful on your salads, or just munch down on some whenever you need a quick snack. 

Quinoa

Quinoa exploded onto the food scene about a decade ago and it hasn't gone anywhere since. It's technically a seed, but most people put it in the same class as a grain and use it as such in recipes. Quinoa has plenty of protein but it also has lots of fiber. If you are trying to avoid carbs, though, you might want to skip the quinoa in favor of other options, as the ingredient does contain carbohydrates. However, it packs a healthy 8 grams of protein in every cooked half cup, so if carbs don't phase you, chow down. 

Black Beans

You'll find nearly 8 grams of protein in a half a cup of cooked black beans. They are also a wonderful source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin b6. Black beans are a great inclusion in any plant-based meal, as they pair so well with veggies and can even be used to bulk up recipes for desserts. Black beans have been found to be good for maintaining a healthy metabolism, too. 

Peas

Peas are a well-known vegetable that is a great inclusion of your plant-based diet. They are easy to throw into salads and stir-frys, and they make an amazing addition to soups and stews as well. You'll find 9 grams of protein in every serving. You can even grow them in your backyard and ensure they are totally organic!

Soy Milk

Some people shy away from soy milk, and it's true that you'll want to do your research about organic, healthy brands that don't use artificial sweeteners. But when you do find a brand that you trust, soy milk can be a great addition to a plant-based diet thanks to 8 grams of protein in a single cup. Keep soy milk on hand in your kitchen as a milk-substitute for recipes or as a late-night snack option. 

Looking for plant-based meal delivery?

We Make It Easy to Get Your Protein

Looking for a quick and easy way to get the protein that you need? Our plant-based meal delivery service makes it as easy as making a couple clicks on our website. We carefully craft our recipes to ensure they are delivering the nutrients that your body needs without the inclusion of any animal products. It's food that tastes amazing, that you can feel good about eating, and is going to help fuel your body and mind. Don't believe the hype that meat is best for your body; it could actually be doing more harm than good! We'll make sure you get the protein you need along with everything else your body wants.

Ready to try it for yourself? You can order meals through our website right now. If you have questions about our products or wish to place an order over the phone, just get in touch with us. We're always happy to help!

 

With thirty entrees to choose from, PlantPure meals are the most convenient, healthy and inexpensive delivered foods available on-line!  Our meals have no added oils and are priced lower than most fast foods.  Order today at:  PlantPureNation.com/collections/Foods