As many people are seeking to lose weight, they turn to vegetarian and vegan diets. Vegetarian and vegan diets tend to be lower in calories and include a variety of vegetables, nuts, legumes, fruits, seeds, grains, herbs and spices. The stereotypical thinking is that you will be unable to maintain muscle mass with a vegetarian or vegan diet for all protein sources. However this is not true as there are many animal-free protein sources available. You can visit theislandnow.com to learn more.
Quinoa
Quinoa is a seed that is advertised as a super food because of its high levels of protein. Not only does it have 8 grams of protein per cup, but it also has a lot of nutrients. Quinoa also contains potassium, magnesium and phosphorus, and is a great source of fiber. This low-calorie diet food can be used in many dishes to replace meat or carbs such as rice or pasta. You can use quinoa in your salads, soups, casseroles and stir-fry dishes. Or you could just enjoy quinoa as it is. Quinoa tastes good plain with applesauce on top.
Hemp Protein
Hemp protein is amazing and can help you achieve your fitness goals. If you are looking for a healthy vegan protein, hemp protein is the way to go! Hemp has all of the essential amino acids that your body needs, and it also has the perfect ratio of omega-3-to-omega-6 fatty acids. It is also extremely low in calories and fat. For people pursuing a vegan lifestyle, hemp protein can be used as a basis when making many of their meals. Hemp is easy to digest and has a pleasant earthy flavor that complements many foods. Also try adding hemp meat crumbles into your salad or marinade for salad dressing.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are an amazing protein source that will help you to lose weight and keep it off. Chia seeds provide an array of health benefits such as a healthy heart, strong bones and proper digestion. Chia seeds are an excellent vegan protein source because they contain all 18 amino acids, and they also contain iron, calcium, phosphorous, zinc and B vitamins. They can be easily added to different foods such as smoothies, cereal or yogurt. You can also eat them straight from the container.
White Beans
White beans are a delicious addition to any meal.They’re packed with protein and more frequently consumed in the Mediterranean diet than any other cuisine. White beans are low in fat and have a high protein content. Most of them are also high in fiber. White beans are much lower in calories but still taste great. You can enjoy them by themselves, or add them to soups or salads. Try making a salad with red peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, chickpeas and white beans.