7 Great Non-Meat Protein Sources
Whether you’re a vegetarian (or vegan) or you’re simply concerned with the additives and hormones in the meat industry today, it’s good to take a break from consuming meat. Meatless Monday has become a pretty popular trend. Here are a few protein-packed ideas to join the bandwagon.
1. Beans
Take your pick of the many varieties available. Black beans, red beans, kidney beans, or navy beans are a great source of protein and fiber. Have them as a side or as soup for a meal. An easy, tasty treat is roasted garbanzo beans. You can either make them spicy with chili powder and cayenne pepper, or you can sweeten them with honey, nutmeg and cinnamon.
2. Tofu and other Soy Products
Although technically made from beans, soy products are so abundant and numerous that they deserve their own category. Easily substitute tofu for meat in stir fries, and even sandwiches. Soymilk is also a great source of protein. Drink it straight, or add it to cereal at breakfast.
3. Seitan
Also known as “wheat meat”, seitan is a great source of protein that is popular with vegetarians. Although it’s made from wheat, when seitan is cooked it looks and tastes like meat. It’s similar to tofu, but most think of seitan as being “meatier”. There’s even recipes online for Spicy Seitan Buffalo “Wings”.
4. Quinoa
Widely considered a whole grain, quinoa (pronounced kēn-wä) is actually a seed and is used in the same way as barley or rice. It’s a powerhouse for protein and gluten-free.
5. Nuts and Nut Butters
Arguably the easiest way to get your protein. Just a handful of walnuts, cashews, almonds or pecans can pack some major protein intake. Make a quick PB&J. A tablespoon of peanut butter has 4 grams of protein.
6. Dairy
Although all dairy has some protein, for the highest amount choose cheese. You have a variety of choices to choose between and you can conveniently fit it in at any point in the day. Grab a mozzarella stick for a quick snack or have a grilled cheese for dinner.
7. Protein Supplements
Although most people would recommend trying to get protein from whole, natural sources, if you’re still having a hard time fitting protein into your diet try supplements. Whey protein is a popular choice.
