Plant-Based Proteins

     A worry of anyone changing their diet to one that doesn't include meat is where to get protein.  Truth is, protein is incredibly easy to find.  Listed below are three types of food that are full of this important nutrient.

Grains

Quinoa = protein

     Something many people don't know is that real whole-wheat bread (check the ingredients...some 100% whole wheat bread have little grain and lots of sugar!) actually has 4 grams of protein in each slice, making your sandwich have 8 grams of protein in the bread alone.  Most other grains and pastas also have a great source of protein.  The best source of protein you can find from this category is a grain known as Quinoa (keen-wah), a grain that has much in common with rice, and can be found in the grain section of most grocery stores.  
     Click here for my delicious Black Bean Quinoa salad recipe! (One that is chock full of protein)
  

Beans

     Beans and legumes are a great alternative source of protein.  In addition, they have much less cholesterol or fat than meats, and they have many other nutrients that will supplement your body.  Bagged dry beans are the best, but canned beans are very simple to prepare and eat.  If you ever feel the need to buy refried beans (definitely the least healthy) make sure you get vegetarian ones, as the other kinds are cooked in lard!
Click here for my Homemade Refried Beans recipe!




Nuts and Seeds 

They can be a bit pricey, but very good

     Nuts and seeds are a good source of protein. Real Peanut butter, and almond butter have lots of protein and can make a good lunch if you spread it on bread.  Almonds (try to get them raw, not roasted and salted), walnuts, cashews, etc.  all have protein in them, and can make a great snacking food as well (very filling).  The one thing to be careful about with this category is that they also have a high fat content.  Our bodies need some fat in our diets (and this is obviously a great alternative to McDonalds...), but make sure you don't overdo it.
     It's easy to incorporate nuts and seeds into other meals as well.  Sprinkle some shelled sunflower seeds over a salad, or put some walnuts on your oatmeal in the morning!

Click here for my Slivered Almond Green Bean recipe (has mushrooms and a garlic kick!  One of my favorite side dishes)
Click here for my Nutty Almond Fudge dessert recipe (A delicious dessert you don't have to feel guilty about eating)

Don't Worry

These listed protein sources aren't meant to make people worry about the amount of protein they are getting.  In the past two years I have been eating this way, I haven't once had to worry about getting enough protein.  Regularly incorporate grains and/or beans in your meals and you will be fine!




    For many recipes with these ingredients, check out all my recipes!

• If you have any recipes with these ingredients, please let me know! I would love to try them and share them with others!