Plant-Based Protein
Being a vegan or vegetarian comes with an immeasurable amount of benefits. The heart health. The lower blood sugar levels. The decreased carbon footprint. The clean conscience knowing no animals were harmed in the making of this avocado toast.
In all these amazing things that come out of a plant-based diet, we can find one significant drawback.
“So, where do you get your protein?”
The one question that can make the health-conscious and the veggie-loving go absolutely crazy. With a lack of focus on education and awareness about protein intake, and about diet in general, many of us Americans are left following protein myths. But we’re here to dissolve all your preconceptions about protein, and introduce you to one of the healthiest sources of protein.
It’s not fish. It’s not chicken breast. It’s not fat-free, grass-fed, hormone-free anything. It’s plants.
The FDA recommends 50 grams of protein a day, as a part of a 2,000 calorie diet, or more or less depending on an individual’s calorie needs. An average chicken breast contains about 43 grams of protein. However, it also contains The conception that we need a full serving of meat at every meal in order to fulfill our protein needs is a myth, and is actively contributing to the idea that meat is the only source of protein.
It is often assumed that we can only get protein from a source with an actual body. But we tend to forget where most animals’ protein actually comes from: plants.
Research done by Harvard School of Public Health and Harvard Medical School suggests we get our protein from plants when possible, as it has been found that those whose diets are mostly, or all, plant-based have a lesser chance of being affected by heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other health complications.
The list is long. Nuts, legumes, oats, broccoli, quinoa, lentils, brussel sprouts, beans, soy products (tofu, tempeh, etc.) and so many more plant-based foods provide ample protein to our bodies, and are free from the cholesterol, saturated fats and sodium that animal products can contain.
Now, if you aren’t getting too excited about the idea of eating bowls of legumes at every meal, we are right there with you. That’s why we want everyone to know the endless possibilities of combinations and creations you can make in your kitchen with tons of protein – and no meat. Replace the animal products in your meal with protein-packed veggies, grains, or beans for a healthier, guilt-free way to satisfy your appetite.
Here at aha Pure Foods, we like to pride ourselves in our ability to create soups with exciting flavors and unique ingredients that simultaneously provide beneficial nutrients. We are very aware of the dreaded “How do you get any protein?!” questions, and are here to say that there is truly no limit to the amount of possible protein sources within a plant-based diet. An example of this is our beloved Lucky Bones. Mimicking the exact same health benefits as traditional bone broth, Lucky Bones is filled with pea protein, a natural and non-animal product source of protein. And it helps that it’s mixed with delicious spices and herbs to create the perfect soup for a plant-based protein seeker in a meat-industry dominated world.
Yes, protein is a big deal. We need it as part of a balanced diet to live a healthy life. But why continue to live in the shadows of all the benefits that plant-based protein has to offer? The power of plants is never-ending, so the next time you’re looking for a protein-packed meal, look to plants instead.
One spoonful at a time,
Chloe
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/eat-more-plants-fewer-animals-2018112915198
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/protein/
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/protein/
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/InteractiveNutritionFactsLabel/protein.html