When it comes to starting a new diet, filling up on protein is one of the easiest ways to satiate your appetite and give your body the energy it needs to exercise.
But, with all that we know about protein, most people still don’t get enough of it in their diet.
Why is it so hard to eat enough protein? The main issue with protein is that we tend to think of it as meat—chicken, beef, fish, etc.
For many people, meat is too expensive to buy every day. Have you seen how much a piece of salmon costs these days? Others simply don’t eat meat at all.
That’s why we have to stop picturing protein as nothing more than a slab of meat. Plenty of different foods contain enough protein to get you through the day.
Here are 4 common plant-based foods that are packed with protein, recommended by WedMD:
- Oats: With about 5-6 grams of protein per cooked cup, oats are an excellent source of protein. They’re also extremely high in soluble fiber, which can help you stay full longer and lower bad cholesterol. If you start each morning with a cup of cooked oats, you’re bound to feel satiated and energetic all morning.
- Asparagus: According to WebMD, a cup and a half of these green veggies contains more than 6 grams of protein—that’s just as much a one large egg! In addition to protein, asparagus is also rich in folic acid, iron, vitamin C, and fiber.
- Pistachios: Almonds seem to get all the attention in the nut family. But you might want to pick up a bag of shelled pistachios instead. Aside from being packed with fiber, potassium, iron, vitamin B6, and several antioxidants, these delicious nuts also contain about 6 grams of protein per serving. Their shells also help encourage “mindful” eating, since you have to crack each one open individually before eating them. ##MN_RESP##
- Chia Seeds: A bag of dried chia seeds can essentially help you add about 3 grams of protein to almost any meal, according to WebMD. Their mild nutty flavor makes chia seeds perfect in yogurt, baked goods, oatmeal, smoothies, and salads. In addition to healthy protein, these powerful seeds are also packed with omega-3 and omega-6—essential fatty acids that can help reduce inflammation and heart disease.
Do you have any meat-free foods to add to the list? Let us know in the comments!
Photo Copyright © 2010 THOR/Flickr
