Delicious Sources Of Plant-Based Protein

As we are celebrating Meat Free Week at The Healthy Chef, I wanted to highlight some of my favourite and delicious plant-based sources of protein. 

'What are the best sources of plant-based protein?' is one of the most common questions we get asked at HCHQ, as well as 'Am I getting enough protein?'

As I mentioned in Tuesday's post....getting sufficient amounts of quality protein is extremely important as protein is the building block of our cells, muscles, tissues, and so much more. Proteins play a role in supporting immune health, hormonal health, detoxification, weight loss as well as keeping skin glowing and youthful.

Detox diets in particular are generally low in protein sources, so clean + natural protein sources are a vital component to a healthy detox program to ensure you receive your daily protein requirement. This is essential as your body requires adequate amino acids for the construction of enzymes and other molecules integral to the detoxification pathways.

In fact, a study published in the Journal of American College of Cardiology found that a “higher intake of a plant-based diet index rich in healthier plant foods is associated with substantially lower coronary heart disease risk.”

WHY DO I NEED PROTEIN?

• Keep blood sugars stable
• Curb appetite
• Keeps you fuller for longer
• Supports weight loss and a healthy metabolism
• Maintain a healthy Immune system
• Build and repair the body
• Support new growth and maintenance
• Sustain lean muscle
• Prevent muscle wastage
• Assist in hormone production
• Assist in recovery from sport or illness

Also, in one journal article, plant-based protein foods are said to lower your risk for diabetes as well as other related factors like body mass index, blood pressure and cholesterol.

If you want to start incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet but are not sure where to start, you can read my recent post on My Top 3 Vegan Recipes.

Whether or not you are vegan or vegetarian, you can bump your protein intake without having to rely mostly on animal-based protein sources.

Relying less on animal products can be great step in increasing your intake of more nutrient-rich wholefoods and it can also keep your skin glowing, support a healthy weight, and prevent the onset of chronic disease.

1 - CHIA SEEDS

These little seeds are packed with health-boosting calcium, antioxidants, and omega-3s and are high in both insoluble and soluble fibre, which helps to promote gut motility and regular bowel movements. They are great prebiotics and nourish our good gut bacteria. They contain 4 grams per 2 tablespoons and are great to include in breakfasts such as my Mango Chia Pudding and Chia Pudding With Passionfruit. I also use them to sprinkle on top of porridges and oatmeal or to have in baked goods such as muffins and breads.

2 - QUINOA

Most grains contain a small amount of protein, but quinoa—technically a seed—is unique in that it contains more than 8 grams of protein per cup, including all nine essential amino acids that the body needs for growth and repair.

What I love about quinoa is that it’s incredibly versatile and can be added into salads and soups and used in breads, such as my Gluten-Free Bread, or in gluten-free porridge.

3 - NUTS + NUT BUTTERS

I use nuts most days to boost the nutritional profile and protein level of my meals. I love sprinkling roasted omega-3 rich walnuts over my salad or adding a spoonful of almond butter into my morning banana smoothie. Almonds in particular are rich in protein, magnesium, potassium, copper, zinc, folic acid, calcium and antioxidants such as vitamin E.

For a super-quick nut milk I blend 1 spoonful of cashew or almond butter with 1 cup of water to blend into my protein rich breakfast smoothies.

4 - GREEN PEAS

Peas are a great vegetable source of protein that helps to fuel and repair your body, build lean muscle and supports your immune system as well as weight loss. Peas are also high in fibre and great for weight control because they are low GI, help keep you full and keep blood sugars stable. One cup of green peas contains around 8 grams of protein—about the same as a cup of dairy milk!

A few of my favourite meat-free meals using peas include my Green Garden Salad, Green Pea + Spinach Risotto or Green Pea Fritters. I also use Healthy Chef Pea Protein in my morning smoothies which keeps me going right up until lunchtime.

Peas are a great vegetable source of protein that helps to fuel and repair your body, build lean muscle and supports your immune system as well as weight loss.

 

5 - ORGANIC PEA PROTEIN POWDER

I LOVE MY PEA PROTEIN! It was the very first product that I designed when I launched the Healthy Chef Functional Food Range. Including a plant based protein to add into your breakfast smoothies makes the meal complete and will help support your overall health and wellbeing.

Certified Organic - Sugar Free - No Bloating - Lactose free – Entirely Raw + Soy Free. Perfect for the whole family. You can find out more about Organic Pea Protein here....

Pea Protein is ideal for improving skin health and supporting digestive health, a strong immune system, sports performance + sustained weight loss. The perfect addition to your smoothies and help your body nourish and refuel.

6 - BEANS

There are many different varieties of beans—black, white, pinto, heirloom, mung beans —but one thing they all have in common is their high amounts of protein. Two cups of kidney beans, for example, contain about 26 grams. Personally, I love to use mung beans as I often make them in my Detox Mung Bean Risotto. Green mung beans are rich in complete plant protein, fibre, antioxidants and phytonutrients.

While some people experience gas or bloating from eating beans...soaking your beans then rinsing them will minimise the effects. Mung beans are also low FODMAP and considered one of the easiest beans to digest. REMEMBER to soak them first before you cook.

7 - SEEDS 

Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds - they are all wonderful and are rich in minerals, antioxidants and protein.  Seeds are anti-inflammatory which is also why they are extensively used in detoxification diets as a protein and mineral supplement. The high mineral and protein content of seeds, especially pumpkin seeds also supports collagen production for healthy skin.

A cup of pumpkin seeds contains 12 grams of protein. I use them mainly for making Pumpkin Seed Milk for a great anti-inflammatory dairy-free milk. I also add seeds to muesli, sprinkle them over salads or avocado toast, or add them into my protein rich breakfast smoothies.

8 - TEMPEH + TOFU

We love our tempeh at HCHQ. It is a wonderful fermented organic soybean product that is rich in probiotics, isoflavones as well as protein - perfect if you're menopausal. A 100 g serve of tempeh has about 18g of protein. The fermentation process has already converted some of the protein into amino acids, so your digestive system doesn't have to work so hard with tempeh.

Tempeh is low FODMAP and kind to sensitive digestive systems...just like mine.