Plant-based protein sources are abundant, healthy, delicious, and more often than not, inexpensive. There are plenty of tasty new and traditional recipes that are packed with protein and contain no meat at all.
Foods with high amounts of protein include:
• Seitan — 25g of protein per 100g
• Soybean (ie Tofu, Tempeh, Edamame) — 12–20g of protein per 100g
• Lentils — 17.9g of protein per cup
• Green Peas — 8.58g of protein per cup
• Chickpeas – 21.3g of protein per cup
• Quinoa – 8g of protein per cup
• Beans
- Pinto Beans — 15.4g of protein per cup
- Mung Beans — 14.2g of protein per cup
- Fava Beans — 12.9g of protein per cup
- Lima Beans — 11.6g of protein per cup
• Brussel Sprouts — 5.64g of protein per cup
• Pistachios & Almonds — 5.31g of protein per cup
• Avocado — 4g of protein per medium avocado
• Hemp Seeds — 3g of protein per tablespoon
• Broccoli — 4–5g of protein per stock
Eating more plant protein is important—but not just because of protein alone. Although this nutrient is essential for overall health, "the vast majority of Americans meet and exceed their protein intake requirement and there are only rare cases of protein deficiency in the general population—even among vegetarians and vegans."
Plant sources of protein also contain plenty of other nutrients such as magnesium, copper, manganese, selenium, riboflavin, and vitamins A, C, K, and E—vitamins and minerals that are often missing from animal proteins.
