When you ask meat eaters to comment on vegetarians many will say that they do not get nearly enough protein. This is a common misconception that is challenged by the fact that many meat eaters consume far too much protein.
The fact remains, if you chose to abstain from meat, there are many nutritious ways to get more than enough protein. Those that consume a lot of meat may even want to consider giving their digestive system a break by eating at least one meatless meal each week. Here are three tasty and nutrient dense protein options.
Beans
Consuming beans and legumes is an inexpensive and delicious way to get some protein into your diet. High in fiber, calcium, and iron, beans and legumes pair well with grains like millet, buckwheat and brown rice. When you add beans to grains you have a complete protein.
Be sure to buy organic dry beans and soak them overnight before cooking them. The American Diabetes Association calls beans a diabetes superfood. Just 1/2 cup of cooked beans including kidney, pinto, navy and black has 7 grams of protein. Eating 1/2 – 1 1/4 cup of beans and 1/2 cup of rice each day is enough protein for most people.
Hemp
Used to make clothes, money, ship masts, oil, bricks, bread and more. Hemp is an amazing renewable plant resource that is legally not cultivated in America but is imported from other countries including Canada.
Hemp seeds are one of nature’s best plant protein sources. Hemp contains all of the essential amino acids to make it a complete protein. Add hemp powder to your smoothies, baked goods, yogurt, oatmeal soups for a powerful protein punch.
Eggs
Free range, organic eggs are an excellent protein option. The protein in eggs is complete, which means that it contains all of the essential amino acids that the body requires. One egg has on average six grams of protein. Contrary to what was once thought, there is no real correlation between egg consumption and heart disease.
In fact, eggs are now being found to protect against blood clots, heart attack and stroke. Eggs contain 13 essential vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. With a mere 70 calories each, eggs are a great option for anyone watching their waistline.
-The Alternative Daily
