Finally! Best Ever Plant-Based Protein Sources – Part Two! As I stated in Part One, “One of the things I really like about plant-based proteins, is that, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or meat eater, they can easily be included into your diet!”

Best Plant-Based Protein Sources – Part Two

Note: I always recommend purchasing these products raw and/or organic. Also, keep in mind that, not all products (even if labelled “organic”) are of equal quality, so make sure to do your research!

Golden Berries. Are also known as Incan Berries. These tart and tangy berries are loaded with protein. A single serving (1oz./28g) contains about 16% protein. Golden Berries are also a good source of vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B6, and B12. Vitamin A supports healthy vision. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system and promotes the production of collagen. B vitamins help support a healthy immune system and are important for brain health.

Ways to Eat Golden Berries. In the U.S. Golden Berries are commonly found dried and packaged. Their low sugar content makes them a healthy snack option. I really enjoy golden berries in salads, homemade energy bars, and trail mixes. You can also add them to yogurt parfaits, oatmeal, cereal, etc.

Almonds (Raw & Unpasteurized). Although referred to as a nut, almonds are actually seeds. Seeds are a great source of protein. A serving of raw almonds (1oz./28g) packs about 6g of protein. Almonds are very supportive of heart health. They’re a rich source of heart friendly fats like monounsaturated fats and vitamin E. Almonds also provide a rich source of minerals that are essential for a healthy heart, including magnesium, potassium, calcium, and selenium.

Ways to Eat Almonds. Almonds are one of my favorite “nuts”. Their nutty flavor, nutritional value, and versatility make them a dietary staple around my house. A handful of almonds is the perfect power snack because it satisfies your hunger and helps curb your appetite, while stabilizing blood sugar levels. Add raw almonds (whole or sliced) to things like salads, fruit, smoothies, yogurt, hot and cold cereals, trail mix, etc. Almond butter is another way to enjoy this protein packed nut. Use almond butter like you would any other nut or seed butter i.e. on toast, in a protein or meal replacement shake, as a healthy dip for veggies and fruits, etc. I also like this simple almond milk recipe. It’s a tasty non-dairy alternative that adds a rich creamy flavor and texture to recipes like smoothies and frozen desserts. Also great with hot and cold cereals.

Greens. Including a variety of green leafy vegetables into your diet is a great source of plant-based protein. Greens not only provide a source of clean burning protein, but they’re also rich in chlorophyll and high in alkaline minerals and fiber. Chlorophyll is a powerful detoxifier. It helps to neutralize and remove harmful toxins from the body, including heavy metals like mercury. Minerals are necessary for many of the physiological and biochemical processes that occur in our body. Fiber supports a healthy digestive system by pushing things through the digestive tract – this helps promote and regulate bowel movements.

Ways to Eat Greens. There are so many kinds of greens that the number of ways that they can be eaten seems endless. I say, try as many different greens as you can. They all have different flavors, as well as textures and nutritional profiles. Some common ways to eat greens include salads, adding 1-2 large leaves to a smoothie, juicing them with other vegetables and/or fruits, lightly steaming and drizzling with olive oil and sprinkling with sea salt & pepper, making kale chips, using them as a lettuce replacement i.e. try arugula in your sandwich or veggie burger, make a wrap – spread some hummus on a large green leaf of your choice with your favorite veggies, etc.

Hemp Seeds (Raw & Unpasteurized). Are a high quality, nutrient dense source of complete protein. The protein found in hemp seeds is easily digestible, so it’s a great bioavailable protein source for most people. Hemp seeds supply the body with an array of minerals, including iron, calcium, and phosphorus. Iron oxygenates and builds the blood. Calcium relaxes the digestive tract and muscles. Phosphorus helps to build strong healthy bones and teeth. They’re also a good source of vitamin A, which is necessary for healthy vision. Hemp seeds are an excellent source of essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6), which are healthy fats with powerful antioxidant properties. Just 2 tablespoons (10z./28g) of raw hemp seeds provides 14g of protein.

Ways to Eat Hemp Seeds. Their rich nutty flavor makes them tasty eaten alone as a snack, or in just about anything. Hemp seeds are a great addition to salad dressings, no bake energy bars and cookies, smoothies and protein shakes, or a bowl of cereal. You can sprinkle them on top of soups, salads, and fruits. Hemp seeds can be made into a dip or spread for veggies, sandwiches, and wraps. This cracker recipe looks simple and delicious!

Well, that concludes Part Two! I hope you’ll try some of these out. And, go check out Part One of this series if you haven’t yet. 🙂

There will be a Part Three, so be on the watch for that!

Best of Health!

Shahné

Please post a comment below, sharing the ways you’ve been enjoying these awesome plant-based proteins! 🙂