protein

Where Do Vegans Get Their Protein From??

This is most likely the number one asked question I hear from non-vegans.  They will probably never stop asking, and I will never stop answering. So hear it is again. The recommended intake of protein is .36 grams per pound, so an average of 56 grams per day for a sedentary man and about 46 grams for an inactive woman.  Healthy active people and even serious body builders have no problem following a plant-based diet as well. You can incorporate protein all throughout the day on a plant-based diet, especially in snacks, where it’s most often overlooked, without really needing a massive source at every meal. Here are just a few easy ways to include protein in your everyday lives.

JAYDE VEGAN.png

Lentils – They are super affordable and super-filling! They add about 9 grams of protein for each half cup, plus a ton of fiber!  Add your favorite Mexican spices to cooked lentils, throw in a few veggies and your fav salsa and presto – Lentil Tacos! A cup of cooked lentils added to your favorite salad is another easy way to add this versatile ingredient.

lentils.jpg

Quinoa – This glutton-free grain racks up 8 grams of protein per cup, and is a great source of magnesium, antioxidants and fiber!  Transform your morning smoothie into a legit meal by adding some cooked quinoa.  Replace your morning oatmeal with this cooked grain and add a handful of your favorite berries. Adding to salads, soups and stir-fry’s are all easy ways to include quinoa in your daily meals.

Nuts and Seeds – Almonds, Walnuts, Cashews, and Pumpkin, Chia and Flax seeds are all great sources of protein, fiber and many other health benefits.  Hemp seeds are a complete protein that are hard NOT to love. Packing 13 grams in just 3 tablespoons, these tiny seeds are easy to add anywhere. Try mixing in nuts to your non-dairy yogurt, sprinkle a handful on your favorite salad, add ground flaxseed to your morning smoothie, or just snack on a handful of almonds.

Artichokes - Containing 4 grams of protein in just 1/2 cup, artichoke hearts are a great way to boost fiber, protein, and they are filling but low in calories.

artichokes.jpg

Edamame – Another great source of protein, antioxidants and fiber, these young green soybeans are delicious and pack in 8.5 grams of protein per ½ cup! Snack on them with a sprinkle of salt or add to soups, burgers, and salads. You can also dry roast them for a great snack.

Green beans, Broccoli and Asparagus – These are great sources of protein and are all easy to add to your best recipes.

Nutritional Yeast – This cheesy tasting ingredient contains 8 grams of protein in 2 tablespoons and can usually be found in the Natural department of your grocery store. An easy way to add this to your diet is to sprinkle some into your mashed cauliflower or potatoes, salads or pizzas or add to a bowl of popcorn. Cheese dips and Mac and Cheese are all great foods for this ingredient.

nutritional yeast.jpg

Pre and Post Workout Vegan Meals

photo by www.onegreenplanet

photo by www.onegreenplanet

Black Bean Beet Burgers - 4 servings

-   ½ cup cooked quinoa
-   ½ cup each: chopped onion and chopped mushrooms and chopped walnuts (ground)
-   1 large can of black beans, rinsed and drained
-   ½ cup grated raw beet
-   1 tsp each: cumin, chili powder and garlic powder
-   Salt & pepper
-   olive oil

DIRECTIONS:
-   Heat a pan on medium heat with a bit of olive oil and add mushrooms and onions, salt & pepper and cook for about 8 minutes.
-   Remove from heat and add beans and mash slightly – needs to have some texture.
-   Add mixture to a large bowl and add beets, quinoa, spices and mix.
-   Add walnut meal a little at a time until the mixture is thick enough to form into patties. Set in fridge to chill while oven heats up to 375 F. If cooing in pan, just chill for about 15 minutes.
-   Put on baking sheet sprayed with a bit of oil and cook for about 30-35 minutes.
-   If using a pan, spray with a bit of oil and cook on medium high for about 4 minutes per side

LEMON LIME RECOVERY DRINK

-   4 large dates, pits removed
-   2 cups of water
-   1 Tbsp each: Hemp protein and ground Salba
-   2 Tbsp sprouted buckwheat
-   Juice from ½ lemon and lime
-   ½ tsp lemon zest
-   1 tsp each: ground dulse flakes, maca and greens powder (chlorella or spirulina)

DIRECTIONS:
-   Blend all ingredients in a blender.

OPTIONS
-   Replace Salba with chia seeds or one egg replacement
-   Replace dulce flakes with nori or sea vegetable flakes
-   Replace maca powder with cacao powder

Vegan Salads Full of Protein

As a Vegan, the most asked question I hear is - how do you get enough protein? Well, even though this question can sometimes get a bit annoying, I always let people know that protein isn't ever an issue if you eat healthy. Most vegetables, grains, beans, nuts and seeds contain some protein and many of them have a lot of protein.

These salads are so delicious, even your non-Vegan friends will love them. Feel free to change up these recipes and add whatever plant based ingredients you like. Enjoy!

photo by robinhelfrich.com

photo by robinhelfrich.com

QUINOA SALAD WITH MANGO

-  ½ cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
-   1 cup each: black beans and chopped cucumber
-   1 fresh mango, cubed
-   1 avocado, cubed and sprinkled with lime or lemon juice
-   ¼ cup each: mint (chopped), cilantro (or parsley)
-   2 Tbsp each: olive oil and lime juice
-   1 garlic clove, minced
-   Salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS:
-   Cook quinoa according to package.
-   Mix olive oil, lime juice, garlic and salt and pepper.
-   Add all the other ingredients and toss with dressing. Cool in refrigerator.

photo by farmerstoyou.com

photo by farmerstoyou.com

ROASTED BEET SALAD

-   3-4 medium beets
-   1 Tbsp olive oil
-   A bunch of mixed greens (organic of course)
-   Vegan Goat cheese
-   ½ cup of chopped walnuts

DRESSING:
-   1 ½ Tbsp. each: maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced onion
-   3 Tbsp red wine vinegar or balsamic
-   5-6 Tbsp of olive oil
-   Salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS:
-   Preheat oven to 400. Scrub beets and cut off both ends. Drizzle with olive oil and put on a cookie sheet lined with tin foil. Cover with tin foil loosely. Cook for 1 hour. Let cool enough to handle. Peel skin off and slice. OR clean (don’t cut off ends) put in a pot and boil for 40 minutes. Let cool and peel.
-   Mix all of the dressing ingredients together.
-   Arrange mixed greens, top with beets and cheese and drizzle with dressing.

OPTIONS:
-   Add cut up orange pieces to salad. Replace one of the Tbsp. of vinegar with orange juice and a bit of orange jest.