These 3 extra vegan protein sources will boost your energy and weight loss through the roof! They are perfect to build lean muscle and will make you feel full and satisfied for a long time. Who said you can’t get enough protein on a high-raw vegan diet?
1. Lentils
Do you want to go fully raw and omit all cooked foods from your diet? Try soaking and sprouting your lentils. Lentil sprouts are packed with essential nutrients such as B vitamins, calcium and magnesium. You can add them to a raw vegan wrap, use them as the base for raw vegan sushi or just serve them on top of your daily salad. If you prefer the cooked version, you can add them to homemade veggie burgers, hearty casseroles and lukewarm salads. 1 cup of cooked lentils contains no less than 18 grams of protein.
2. Tempeh
Unfermented soy products like soy milk, soy yoghurt and tofu can wreak havoc on your body because they contain several ‘anti-nutrients’ that interfere with the enzymes you need to digest protein. On the contrary, fermented soy products like natto, tempeh, miso and tamari (gluten free soy sauce) are actually very rich in plant-based protein and contain probiotics that will keep your gut healthy and happy. My favorite fermented soy product is definitely tempeh. I like to add it to my salads or stir it into a big bowl of steamed or raw vegetables with a little tamari to boost the natural ‘smoky’ flavor. One cup of tempeh contains about 30 grams of protein. That is even more than a big piece of meat or 5 eggs. Good news, right?
3. Sprouts
Sprouts are true protein powerhouses. Whether you prefer pea, sunflower, lentil, broccoli, radish, alfalfa or clover sprouts, they are all packed with protein and offer a very quick way to increase the protein content of each meal. You can easily grow them yourself or buy them at your local health food store. Most sprouts contain about 8 to 10 grams of protein per 100-gram serving. Add them to your daily salads, serve them on top of a raw vegan pizza or pasta dish, or use them as a substitute for sushi rice. I really like spicy and crunchy sprouts, like sunflower or radish sprouts. Which ones do you prefer?
You can find the first 3 tips to get enough protein on a plant-based diet here.
Now I would love to hear from you! What are your favorite sources of vegan protein? Do you have special tips or secret tricks that you would love to share? I can’t wait to read your suggestions in the comments below.
