Tone It Up: 6 Best Protein Sources for Vegans

There is no doubt that the body needs a lot of protein to function well, but vegans opt against eating the most popular sources of protein like meat. The good thing is the more you learn about this lifestyle, the easier it’ll be to find alternative protein sources, such as the following six options.

1. Tofu

You can find about 10 grams of protein in a small amount of tofu. This is not too common in the United States, but this burn curd is widely used in many parts of Asia and around the world. Tofu is made from coagulated soy milk and made into a meat alternative. People make all sorts of food with tofu, depending on what you are going for. This food is complete, which is why many people love it, and it’s also easy to season, so don’t wait to start experimenting with tofu.

2. Lentils

Each tablespoon of lentils offers you about one gram of protein. That means you can eat a good amount of lentils and get a good chunk of the protein your body needs for the day. One of the best things about lentils is that it’s pretty affordable; it can last a long time if it’s dried, and you can find it nearly anywhere. It’s the perfect survival food. Lentils are pretty versatile, so you should be able to make all sorts of interesting meals with them. Do your best to make sure your lentils are organic and come from a reliable source.

3. Chickpeas

You get about five grams from two tablespoons of chickpeas, which is pretty good. These little things are quite versatile. Some folks use them to make dips like hummus while other folks use them as an alternative to cereal. All you have to do to make them into cereal is soak them, sprinkle some sugar on them, and bake them. There are a few recipes online to help you with this. You are going to have to do your best to get organic chickpeas at your local health food store or online to get the most protein out of them.

4. Vegan Powder Protein

Another good way to get some protein is to use a vegan protein powder. This is a simple way to get the amount of protein you need in your diet in an easy way. The powder is ready for you to use, and you can put it into almost anything you want. Maybe you’ll just add some in your morning smoothie or maybe you’ll add some in that vegan chili you are making. You can even add it to baked goods. You’re free to get as creative as you want with the powder while still enjoying the foods you probably would have eaten anyway. The amount of protein in these powders varies, so be sure to check the amount of protein before you get them. Visit Sinful Vegan to check out their article on the best vegan protein powders.

5. Nuts & Nut Butters

Everyone loves nuts, and now you get to eat them with a purpose. You can get about 27 grams of protein from one cup of nuts or the equivalent in butter form. You’ll have to purchase your nuts from a reliable source. It may be a good idea to explore your options because nuts and nut butters can be a little expensive if you buy them without comparing a bit. Make sure your nut butter does not contain unhealthy ingredients, like processed sugars or regular salt rather than sea salt.

6. Protein & Nutrient-Rich Vegetables

It may be a good idea to eat more vegetables that contain enough protein for your body. There are a few options you can add to your diet, like Brussels sprouts, which gives you about two grams of protein in every half a cup. You can get about four grams of protein in one regular serving of broccoli, and you probably know how versatile that delicious vegetable can be. Check the protein content in all vegetables, and do your best to add those vegetables to your diet.

These are just some things you can eat to keep your protein levels high. Always talk to your doctor or dietitian to ensure that your protein intake is where it needs to be.