If you are a blossoming vegetarian or perhaps just trying to reduce the amount of meat in your diet and are looking for alternative protein sources, your options are plenty. High protein content, healthy, tasty, and meat free foods are completely attainable. Here are a few of my favorite options:
1.Soy
Soy based products such as tempeh, tofu, and edamame offer full protein sources with each of your necessary amino acids, all while being extremely versatile. Packed with calcium and iron and 8 to 16 grams of protein, depending on preparation, soy products are an undeniable staple for anyone considering a meat free or meat reduced diet. Marinated tofu is the perfect main dish alongside any number of sides and edamame adds a unique texture to grain bowls and salads.
2.Peanuts
Full of monounsaturated fat (the good, healthful fat found in avocados, olive oil, and many other nuts), roasted peanuts will give you about 6 grams of protein per serving, while peanut butter will add over 8 grams per serving to your diet. Peanuts or peanut butter make a tasty, protein rich snack.
3.Quinoa
Another complete protein (protein containing all essential amino acids), quinoa is a tasty way to boost the protein content of almost any meal. Quinoa contains over 14 grams of protein per serving. It serves as a wonderful base for grain bowls, and is a fantastic addition to soups, salads, burritos, and many other meals.
4.Lentils
With almost 9 grams of protein in each serving and a distinctly meaty texture, lentils make a fantastic meat substitute. As a perfect base for veggie burgers and an easily prepared add in for stews, sauces, and dips, lentils also offer a great source of filling fiber and fatigue fighting iron.
5.Chickpeas
Containing 15 grams of protein per cup, chickpeas are wonderfully adaptable to many dishes and an incredible source of fiber, vitamins, and trace minerals. Delicious in almost any meal, and equally great when mashed into a hummus dip, chickpeas are a modifiable and healthy inclusion to any diet.