Whether you are an avid fitness enthusiast, want to lose weight, or be healthier, consuming sufficient protein from high-protein vegetarian meals should be on the list. Getting enough protein can sometimes be a chore when living on a vegetarian diet. After all, most people assume that you can get protein only from meat. The good news? That's not the case! So many delicious, plant-based protein sources help drive your requirements.
With a dash of creativity, boosting your protein intake with vegetarian meals could be incredibly satisfying and easy. Thus, if you're wondering how to get more protein while keeping a vegetarian diet, you're in the right place. Now, let's get into the business of healthy yet tasty vegetarian meals high in protein.
Ways to Boost Protein Intake with High-Protein Vegetarian Meal
If you plan to boost your protein intake but are vegetarian and think that will be a problem, do not worry. You can still get sufficient nutrients from a regular diet. In addition, a diet rich in the goodness of whole plant foods can also lower the risk of many chronic illnesses. This blog will explore all the different ways to boost your protein consumption.
1. Add Legumes to Your Meal
Legumes are another excellent protein source. Therefore, it includes lentils, chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, etc. They can be added to many high-protein vegetarian meals to pack a filling and full punch. For example, a lentil soup or a chickpea salad can pack a protein punch.
2. Try Quinoa-Based Dishes
Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning that it contains all nine essential amino acids which your body requires. It's also gluten-free, an excellent option for people with gluten issues. Furthermore, try making a quinoa salad with mixed veggies and lemon-tahini dressing, or use it as the base for a protein-packed Buddha bowl.
3. Add Nuts and Seeds to Your Diet
Nuts and seeds are another great source of protein and healthy fats, like almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and hemp seeds. These can be sprinkled onto your high-protein vegetarian meals, like oatmeal, blended in with smoothies, or eaten by a handful throughout the day. Whether you add a simple chia seed pudding or a handful of almonds to your routine, you're ensured a particular boost of added protein.
4. Enjoy Tofu and Tempeh
The two best-known sources of plant-based protein are tofu and tempeh. You can use tofu for just about everything, from stir-fries to smoothies, since it is acquired from soybeans. On the other hand, tempeh is also acquired from soybean, though it has a firm texture and nuttier flavour that works well in sandwiches, salads, or wraps. Both are great alternatives for meat and provide satisfaction with the food.
5. Explore the World of Plant-Based Protein Powders
Plant-based protein powders can be a great addition to help increase your protein intake when it's challenging to consume enough from whole, high-protein vegetarian meals. Pea protein, hemp protein, and brown rice protein blend well into smoothies or mix into oatmeal and muffins for added protein.
6. Try Protein-Rich Grains
Quinoa is the best-known protein-rich grain, but other options include farro, bulgur, and barley. Not only will these grains pack a good punch of protein, but they also give you a feeling of fullness because they're hefty in texture. Use them in grain bowls, soups, or as the base for a veggie stir-fry.
7. Incorporate Dairy and Eggs (If You're Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian)
For vegetarians who include dairy and eggs in their diet, they can be incredible sources of high-protein vegetarian meals. Greek yoghurt, cottage cheese, and eggs are the most compelling protein sources among these. Making an omelette with veggies, a bowl of Greek yoghurt with fruit, or a serving of cottage cheese with honey and nuts could get you breezing through upping your protein intake.
8. Snack on Edamame
Edamame, or young soybeans, is a delicious and easy-to-prepare protein-snacknacks. You need a cup of steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt for a satisfying, protein-packed snack. They are wonderful added to salads or stir-fries as well.
It’s Time to Wrap Things Up!
Increasing your protein intake with high-protein vegetarian meals is simple. As long as you include vegetable protein sources like beans, nuts, and seeds in your meal, you will get all the protein your body needs. Mix ingredients and try new dishes to spice up your meals. The options are endless, whether you're making a quinoa salad, having edamame as a snack, or whipping up some tofu stir-fry.
Of course, the key to a good diet is balance, so pair these protein sources with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to keep your body fueled and healthy. However, if you have a hectic schedule and lack time to prepare meals, you can also buy Whole Nutrition Meal Replacements. Their meal replacements are filled with the right amount of protein a human body needs every day. So, don’t let your hectic schedule affect your health. Visit the official website of Whole Nutrition and buy the best meal replacement today!