Cutting Out Meat & Not Your Protein

Deciding to change your diet can always be challenging, considering you still need to get the same amount of nutrients, just with different foods. Although being vegan or vegetarian cuts out meat products, you still have to get your average dose of 56 grams of protein for the average man, and 46 grams a day for the average woman.

Protein is essential for anyone who wants to live a healthy life style, because proteins build and restore tissues in the body. Our bodies use protein to build enzymes, hormones, and other bodily chemicals essential to the human existence.

If you are considering cutting out meat, it’s time to get creative with your protein source.

Green Peas are an amazing example of getting protein from plants, according to the USDA. Peas have about 8 grams of protein per a cup, which is much more than most meat sources. Peas also have a ton of fiber, which is essential for digestion and other bodily functions.

Another example of finding protein in a plant, is with leafy greens. Spinach is packed with 5 grams of proiten per a cup, and can be added to any dish for some healthy substance. Put this on top of pasta, or in your smoothies for and extra boost of protein and potassium.

Most people don’t consider what fruits may be packed with proteins. Blackberries are a great source of energy and have 2 grams of protein per a cup, which is a lot considering most people can chow down fruit incredibly fast. Top your favorite oatmeal with blackberries and some hemp seeds for a protein masterpiece. Hemp seeds contains a whopping 10 grams of protein per a tablespoon, that’s more than a serving of beef.

Sweet potatoes are a great way to reach your protein intake for the day. There are 4.5 grams of protein per 100 grams per a serving for sweet potatoes. There are so many things that you can make from this delicious source of protein. You can make fresh potato fries, bake little pieces for a delicious salad, or make a vegetable medley.

Artichoke hearts are delicious and very versatile for many different dishes. You can put this as a topping for cauliflower crust pizza, add it into a salad, or add them to an omelet. Artichokes are packed with 5 grams of protein and are insanely delicious. You won’t even realize how much protein you’ve eaten after your meal.

All of these sources of proteins, are great ways to make you are getting all of your daily nutrients, but without eating meat. Cutting out meat and altering your diet is always challenging, so slowly train yourself to choose leafy greens and artichokes over chicken, and it’ll be a gradual transition.