Getting enough protein in your diet is extremely important for healthy living, and the most recently updated version of the Canada food guide is making sure to emphasize that for everyone.
It’s common for people to associate protein with eating meat. While it’s true that lean meats like fish and chicken are great sources of protein, it can be hard to eat enough of these foods to get the fuel that your body needs to thrive.
The good news is that you can get lots of protein from plant-based foods as well. Foods like beans, lentils, chickpeas, nut butters, soy products and tofu are all excellent sources of protein in addition to the other vitamins, minerals and healthy fats that you can get from adding them to your diet.
Going Green With Plant-based Protein
The new Canada food guide puts heavy emphasis on plant-based protein because it’s a great way to add more protein to your meals without consuming more animal products. Even people who are not vegan or vegetarian have started becoming more conscious about the amount of animal proteins they consume because of the impact it can have on the environment.
Regardless of what kind of lifestyle you lead, adding more plant-based protein foods to your meals can also help to break up the monotony of eating chicken or Greek yogurt in an effort to boost your protein intake.
If you aren’t sure what kinds of plant-based protein snacks you might like, Naked Snacks offers a number of fun and flavourful snack mixes that are healthy and full of protein to keep you fuelled and full.
For spice lovers, the Sweet Sriracha Crunch blends delicious edamame beans with roasted corn nuts and coats them both in a sweet and spicy seasoning.
If you need something sweeter, try Morning Bestie. You’ll get dried cranberries, dark chocolate and protein-rich roasted edamame beans for a delicious pick-me-up treat.
Edamame beans might not suit your taste buds, but chickpeas are also a tasty snack that contain lots of protein as well as vitamins, minerals and fiber. The Naked Snacks Southwest Chicks are crunchy, spicy and perfect for anyone looking for a nut-free protein snack.
Pack Your Diet With Plant-based Protein
There are lots of delicious ways to add plant-based proteins to your diet. Whether you switch to soy milk, snack on chickpeas or try a new tofu dish, getting enough protein will help you feel full, satisfied and energized for whatever life throws at you.
Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash
