If you’re considering adopting a vegan diet the biggest question on your mind is probably “where am I going to get my protein if I’m not consuming meat?” Well, believe it or not you can actually forgo consuming all animal-based foods in lieu of various substitutes which are both healthy and quite tasty with no threat of malnourishment. In fact, a lot of nutritionists claim that caloric intake actually supersedes the need for animal-based proteins. According to the hardcore vegans, we only need to make sure that 1 out of every 10 calories we consume is protein-based. Nevertheless, if you absolutely must have your daily protein fix, here are some suggested replacements to consider…
Beans & Nuts
Among all the various foodstuffs that are associated with a vegan diet, perhaps the two most famous are nuts and beans. Simply put, both of these choices offer what is perhaps the best source of protein replacement if you’re no longer considering consuming meat. Specifically, choices like almonds and baked beans remain extremely popular among those who live the vegan lifestyle. Lentils are also a fine choice and are frequently employed in various recipes as well. Of course consuming any particular variety of nuts is probably fine to some extent, and it should be noted that each type offers its own distinctive secondary health benefits as well. Obviously there’s also peanut butter (the natural varieties) to consider as well.
Tofu & Soy-based products
Tofu and soy products tend to be essential in most vegan diets due to their versatility, great taste and availability. While most will definitely want to pick up some extra firm tofu to use as a meat substitute (due to its ability to soak up flavors and sauces as well as maintain a similar consistency as meat). Similarly, it’s always good to have some soy milk on hand, particularly the flavored varieties (such as Vanilla, which is delicious). Additionally, you can substitute soy yogurt when you a massive craving for ice cream comes on.
Veggies & Grains
Many might not realize that a lot of vegetables and grain-based foods actually contain significant amounts of protein. For example, broccoli is jam-packed with all sorts of benefits including protein as well as helpful antioxidants and more. At the same time, one can pick up a bagel or two and rest assured that they’re receiving a dose of protein. Moreover, keeping in mind that natural peanut butter can be used on a spread (and contains its own protein), why not combine the two?
Alternatives
Last but not least, why not consider some true alternatives? Simply finding a good protein powder might help some people make up for any nutritional losses incurred through a lack of meat consumption. Others who simply find it too tough to forgo the flavor and texture of traditional meat products can try some of the Quorn vegetarian sausages, which are really tasty. Not only are they extremely tasty but they’re also very healthy and contain low amounts of fat. Moreover, since they’re a frozen product, you can quickly prepare them in a pinch.
