Getting the right amount of protein to keep your body healthy and strong is essential for a vegan diet. In a diet without meat and other animal products, you might worry that you won't get enough of this important nutrient, but there are many ways to add plant-based proteins into your meals.
Some of these include beans, lentils and chickpeas. You can add these to soups, salads and stews for a tasty boost of protein. They also contain other nutrients like fiber, folate and potassium. A cup of cooked legumes packs up to 18 grams of protein. You can also use soybean products like tofu or tempeh, which are high in protein and other nutrients and resemble meat in taste and texture. You can make burgers, stir-fry them or eat them in chili and stews.
Other plant foods that are good sources of protein include walnuts, almonds and sunflower seeds. Nuts and seeds are easy to incorporate into a variety of recipes, and they offer a delicious crunch. You can use them as snacks or add them to smoothies for a quick protein pick-me-up. You can also get protein from quinoa, brown rice and other whole grains.
Eating a varied diet that includes both plant-based proteins and protein from meat or dairy will give you the most nutrition and reduce your risk of developing nutrient deficiencies. It is best to consult a registered dietitian before making changes to your diet, especially if you have preexisting health conditions.