As more and more people adopt a vegan lifestyle, finding protein sources becomes a major concern. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, making it an essential nutrient for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Luckily, there are plenty of delicious sources of plant-based protein that can fuel your workouts and help you meet your nutritional needs.
Here are some of the best vegan protein sources to incorporate into your diet:
Legumes
Legumes, such as lentils, chickpeas and black beans, are an excellent source of protein. A cup of cooked lentils, for example, contains 18 grams of protein. Legumes are also high in fiber and complex carbohydrates, making them a great option for pre-workout fuel.
quinoa
Quinoa is a complete protein, which means it contains all nine essential amino acids. A cup of cooked quinoa contains 8 grams of protein, as well as complex carbohydrates and fiber. Quinoa is also versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to veggie burgers.
Tofu
Tofu is made from soybeans and is an excellent source of protein. Half a cup of firm tofu contains 10 grams of protein. Tofu is also high in iron and calcium, making it a great addition to a vegan diet.
Tempeh
Tempeh is another soy-based protein source. It’s made from fermented soybeans and contains about 15 grams of protein per half cup. Tempeh is also rich in probiotics, which makes it beneficial for gut health.
Seitan
Seitan is a meat substitute made from wheat gluten. It is a popular vegan protein source and contains about 25 grams of protein per half cup. Seitan is also low in fat and a good source of iron.
Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats and fiber. Almonds, for example, contain 6 grams of protein per quarter cup, while chia seeds contain 4 grams of protein per two tablespoons. It’s easy to incorporate nuts and seeds into your diet because they can be eaten as a snack, added to smoothies, or used as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt.
nutritional yeast
Nutritional yeast is a popular vegan ingredient that can be used to add flavor and protein to dishes. Two tablespoons of nutritional yeast contain 8 grams of protein and are also a good source of vitamins B12 and B6. Nutritional yeast is often used as a substitute for cheese in vegan dishes.
Incorporating these vegan protein sources into your diet can help meet your nutritional needs and fuel your workouts. It’s also important to note that protein isn’t the only essential nutrient for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Consuming a variety of nutrient-rich plant-based foods can also provide your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to function at its best.
In addition to whole-food sources of vegan protein, there are also many plant-based protein powders, bars, and shakes on the market. These products can be a convenient way to boost your protein intake and fuel your workouts, especially if you have a busy schedule.
Vegan protein powder
Vegan protein powders are typically made from sources such as pea protein, brown rice protein, and hemp protein. They come in a variety of flavors and can be used as a base for smoothies, added to oatmeal or yogurt, or used in baking. Some popular vegan protein powder brands include Orgain, Garden of Life, and Vega.
It is important to note that not all vegan protein powders are created equal. Some may contain added sugars, artificial flavors or colors or other additives. Be sure to read ingredient labels and choose a product that meets your nutritional needs and preferences.
Vegan protein bars
Vegan Protein Bars are a convenient option for a quick snack or pre/post workout fuel. Many vegan protein bars are made from whole food ingredients such as nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, and are sweetened with natural sources such as dates or maple syrup. Some popular vegan protein bar brands include RXBAR, Larabar, and Clif Bar.
As with protein powders, it’s important to read ingredient labels and choose a product that meets your nutritional needs and preferences. Some vegan protein bars may contain added sugars or other additives that you may want to avoid.
Vegan protein shakes
Vegan protein shakes are another convenient option for boosting your protein intake. They can be made by mixing vegan protein powder with plant-based milk, fruit, and other ingredients. Some popular vegan protein shake brands include Vega, PlantFusion, and Sunwarrior.
When choosing a vegan protein shake, be sure to read ingredient labels and choose a product that meets your nutritional needs and preferences. Some premade vegan protein shakes may contain added sugars or other additives that you may want to avoid.
Overall, incorporating vegan protein sources into your diet can help meet your nutritional needs and fuel your workouts. Whether you prefer whole food sources or convenient products like vegan protein powder, bars or shakes, there are plenty of options to choose from. As always, be sure to listen to your body and choose products that work for you and your lifestyle.
Here are some credible sources with links to back up the information in the article:
- “How to Build Muscle on a Plant-Based Diet.” Healthline, 16 Nov 2020, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/build-muscle-vegan-diet.
- “Vegan Protein Powders: What You Need to Know.” Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, January 13, 2020, https://www.eatright.org/food/nutrition/vegetarian-and-special-diets/vegan-protein-powders-what-you-need-to-know.
- “10 Best Vegan Protein Bars of 2021, According to a Dietitian.” Healthline, February 18, 2021, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-vegan-protein-bars.
- “Vegan Protein Shakes: 12 Delicious Plant-Based Recipes.” Healthline, September 8, 2020, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vegan-protein-shakes.
- “The Role of Protein in Vegetarian and Vegan Diets.” The Vegetarian Resource Group, https://www.vrg.org/nutrition/protein.php.
- “Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Vegetarian Diets.” Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, December 2016, https://jandonline.org/article/S2212-2672(16)31192-3/fulltext.
