✨ NEW CLEAN 21 AVAILABLE NOW! ✨

✨ NEW CLEAN 21 AVAILABLE NOW! ✨

Clean Program
Clean Program
The Best Vegetarian Sources Of Protein

The Best Vegetarian Sources Of Protein

As most vegetarians and vegans know, the number one question usually asked is, “How do you get your protein?” As long as a healthy diet full of a variety of foods is maintained, including the right vegetables, finding vegetarian sources of protein isn’t a struggle.

Protein power

The daily recommended intake for someone who exercises moderately would be anything from 0.36 – 0.45 grams for every pound of weight. Most vegetables, beans, grains, nuts, and seeds contain at least some protein, and by infusing them into our diet every day, we’ll be able to hit our recommended protein intake without worry.

We highly recommend our Daily Shake for most vegetarians, but especially if we’re upping our exercise levels or feel like we need a protein boost. Here are some of the top protein-rich foods for vegetarians:

Lentils

Lentils are a fantastic source of protein and so delicious to add to stews, curries, and soups. Lentils contain 9 g of protein for every 100 g, so they’re an excellent filling solution to complete our vegetarian or vegan diet. Additionally, their density helps us stay feeling full for hours after a meal.

Opting for lentils comes with a ton of added health benefits, like helping to protect our digestive system with their high-fiber intake. Pulses also aid in stabilizing blood sugar.

Beans

When eaten in their natural state, most beans, without additional sources and garnishes, are low in fat and cholesterol, making them a great option to get good quality protein. A half-cup of beans contains approximately 7 grams of protein, which is about equivalent to eating an ounce of chicken or fish. Try adding beans to your next Meatless Monday, or even adding them to a soup or stew recipe.

Quinoa

Quinoa is essential for a vegetarian diet, as it’s one of the few plant proteins that actually is a complete protein, as it contains all 9 of the amino acids. It’s a gluten-free grain, so it’s great for those who are gluten-intolerant or gluten-sensitive people. However, it still contains many benefits that you would receive from eating whole grains, plus a bonus of extra antioxidants.

It’s rich in iron, B-vitamins, magnesium, potassium, calcium, vitamin E, fiber, and much more. We can be sure that we’re checking a lot of boxes on the dietary scale when we opt for quinoa. Quinoa can be substituted in many meals for rice or potatoes to give us a complete protein that tastes delicious in various meals.

Broccoli

Broccoli is an unexpected source of protein. As a green vegetable, it seems that unlikely that it contains a substantial amount of protein, but this choice of veg packs a serious punch.

Many documented studies show that broccoli consumption can be a preventative measure for high cholesterol. Steaming broccoli to add to our dinner plate or even packing it up fresh to take it on the go is a quick and easy way to add to our diet. So keep those green stalks close at hand.

Edamame

Edamame is a delicious snack and an excellent source of protein. For gluten intolerant people, it’s also a perfect choice as it’s gluten-free yet rich in many other nutrients. It’s also a natural source of calcium and iron, which many vegetarians look to supplement to boost iron levels.

The naturally occurring folate in edamame is linked to decreased symptoms of depression, allowing better production of feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine, which help boost our mood. It’s easy to quickly boil up a batch of edamame to take on the go as a delicious snack or serve guests as appetizers.

Variety for vitality

Proteins aren’t naturally created in the body, so it is essential to ensure we’re getting protein from food sources. Most plant proteins have amino acids, but not ALL amino acids, so by diversifying our food choices, we’re helping ensure we get a good balance of the different strains of proteins our body needs.

Written by Reese Evans

If you like this article, you might also like A delightful bibimbap for vegetarians

More articles you may like

Clean chocolate superfood bark

Cacao-Nut Delight: Sugar-Free Clean Chocolate Superfood Bark with a Nutty Twist

Nicole Varon

Indulge guilt-free with this sugar-free clean chocolate bark recipe. Made with mindful ingredients, it's perfect for Keto, diabetic, or low-sugar diets.

Read more
3-Day Clean Diet Meal Plan

3-Day Clean Diet Meal Plan

Nicole Varon

If you want a 3-day reset following clean diet guidelines, check out these recipes in a 3-day meal plan to help reset your gut and enhance your detox processes. 

Read more
The Bright Lentil Beet Salad You'll Make On Repeat

The Bright Lentil Beet Salad You'll Make On Repeat

Shopify API

When you’re really hungry, just having a salad can be risky. While fresh and nutritious, many salads lack the fiber, protein, and fat that will keep you satisfied until your next meal. The challenge of building a hearty and filling salad can be especially tricky if you eat a plant-based...

Read more
A Matcha Smoothie With Superfood Greens For Real Energy

A Matcha Smoothie With Superfood Greens For Real Energy

Shopify API

Have you ever had a cold brew, only to feel like your nervous system is pumping the brakes, you have the shakes, and wind up with a “cold brew hangover”? Get a boost of healthy and sustainable energy with this swap! 

Read more
This Gluten-Free, Vegan Gingerbread Loaf Makes a Delicious Holiday Treat

This Gluten-Free, Vegan Gingerbread Loaf Makes a Delicious Holiday Treat

Connie Cambre

Traditional gingerbread gets a makeover with this healthy recipe. Gluten free, vegan, and full of warming spices, this gingerbread makes the perfect, cleanse-approved holiday treat. 

Read more
Hydrating Pomegranate Smoothie for Radiant Skin

Hydrating Pomegranate Smoothie for Radiant Skin

Connie Cambre

Experience radiant skin with our Hydrating Pomegranate Smoothie! Packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and hydration from pomegranate, cherries, cucumbers, and coconut water. Boosted with mint for digestion, healthy fats, and protein from avocado, chia seeds, and Clean Daily Shake. A delicious and nutritious morning treat!

Read more
A Simple Carrot Turmeric Cauliflower Soup With Immunity-Boosting Ingredients

A Simple Carrot Turmeric Cauliflower Soup With Immunity-Boosting Ingredients

Connie Cambre

Stay warm and cozy this winter with a simple immunity-boosting turmeric carrot cauliflower soup. This anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting soup is a perfect addition to your help Inter soup repertoire. It is also naturally dairy and gluten-free, making this a perfect addition to the eater's menu. 

Read more
Celebrate the Season With This Festive Fall Harvest Salad

Celebrate the Season With This Festive Fall Harvest Salad

Connie Cambre

This hearty salad delivers all the fall flavors you crave while nourishing you inside out. Enjoy an abundance of seasonal favorites like butternut squash, apple, kale, and pumpkin seeds, drizzled with a creamy turmeric tahini dressing.

Read more