Eats | 8 Clean Green Proteins
Plants Have Protein?!?
It is a common misbelief that plants are not a protein rich food source and that all of your amino acids have to be consumed in one food.
Do you expect to get all your daily nutrients and vitamins by eating one singular food? Neither do I. By eating a variety of foods you shouldn't have to be consumed by nutrition facts. Taste the rainbow. Eat as many raw fruits and vegetables as you can in various colors. Color signifies different essential nutrients. Spend your time in the color wheel, not the nutrition label.
On a plant based diet, you can spend your time eating more, not counting calories, and focusing on simple pleasures like finding a perfectly ripe avocado. Life is about balance. You don't have to change your lifestyle over night, but here are some foods to help you find that balance.
Powered by Plants
Lentils: 1 cup cooked lentils = 18g protein
Lentils are a great source of iron. Women often feel anemic due to their menstrual cycles and having a heavy period. Consuming lentils on a regular bases can negate those effects.
Peas: 1 cup of green peas = 8g protein
Peas are great cooked or raw. They are a fresh snack, but can easily be used to make a veggies patty. There is a reason why there are so many pea protein suppliments!
Hemp Seeds: 3 tablespoons hemp = about 10g protein
Add hemp seeds to your smoothie bowls, ontop on your avocado toast, or in a PB&J. Anywhere you can put them, add them. They are a nutrient dense food easy on the go.
Quinoa: 1/2 cup cooked quinoa = 7-9g protein
Quinoa is great in soups, as a side, or a main dish creating a qunioa salad. It comes in a variety of colors, so remember the more varient the color, the more nutrients
Spirulina: 2 tablespoons spirulina = 8g protein
Spirulina is the most protein dense food by weight. Everyday I put it into my smoothies, as it is easily attainable in a powder and is a superfood.
Nutritional Yeast: 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast = about 12g protein
Nutritional yeast is great to make a cheese topping and add to seasonings. I love to add it on top of popcorn with fresh dill.
Nuts: 1/4 cup nuts = around 7-9g protein
Nuts are readily available everywhere. Buy raw and sprouted nuts. These are germinated, contain more micronutrients, and are easier to breakdown.
Chai Seeds: 2 tablespoons = 4g protein
Chai seeds can create the best morning cereal, additive to oatmeal, or chai seed pudding.
Keep Calm and Plant On!
Photography: Brie Bergman
Dress: Free People
Special thanks to the Union Square Farmers Market