Plant protein includes foods such as nuts, seeds, dried beans, tofu, tempeh, and grain products. Even certain vegetables have protein! Plant protein sources are often referred to as low quality because they do not contain all the essential amino acids that our body needs on their own. However, by eating a variety of plant protein foods, you can get these essential amino acids you need for your diet. A few benefits of consuming more plant protein foods are that they include more fiber, have less saturated fat, are low in cholesterol, and are high in antioxidants. The American Heart Association recommends consuming a balance of plant and animal-based protein sources as part of a heart-healthy diet.
Want to know how to add more plant protein to your diet? Below are a few ideas to get you started:
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Try “Meatless Mondays”. Make your Monday dinner a “meatless” one by substituting dried beans as your protein source.
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Swap out ground beef for lentils when making tacos.
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Use tofu in place of eggs at breakfast.
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Swap out the chicken for chickpeas in your “chicken” salad.