10 Protein-Rich Plant Foods Your Muscles Will Love

There’s been a long-standing belief that plant-based diet might lack enough protein. This is simply not true. Of course, some plant foods contain significantly more protein than others. But adopting a balanced and varied plant-based diet can promote muscle strength, endurance, performance and recovery for both top athletes and the occasional gym-goer.

Don’t ignore exercise

Regular daily exercise is not something that should be ignored simply because we are eating the optimal diet for human health and well-being. All research indicates that there are huge health benefits when we regularly raise and maintain a higher heart rate and give our load-bearing muscles a good workout.

Let exercise exorcise those disease demons

It is amazing how many chronic diseases can be prevented and treated by regular exercise, including:

And this is just naming a few of the horrible health conditions that can benefit greatly from regular exercise.

How much exercise?

Dr Greger says “I recommend 90 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, such as brisk (four miles per hour) walking or 40 minutes of vigorous activity (such as jogging or active sports) each day.”

And if we can’t manage this amount every day, we should ensure that we do as much as we possibly can – if possible, take the bike or walk rather than jump in the car; take the stairs rather than the lift; get up regularly from the chair and walk around the house – anything to increase the amount of daily physical movement. I use a Fit-bit wrist monitor to remind me when it’s time to get moving. There are many other products on the market like this to give us a timely tip-off that our muscles and joints would like to “go out and play”!

10 high-protein plant foods that muscles love

Tofu, tempeh and edamame

Tofu, tempeh and edamame all derive from soybeans. Soybeans are considered a whole source of protein. This means that they provide the body with all the essential amino acids it needs – which is important for workouts.

All three contain iron, calcium and 10-19 grams of protein per 3.5 ounces (100 grams).

Edamame are also rich in folate, vitamin K and fibre. Tempeh contains a good amount of probiotics, B vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus.

Lentils

At 18 grams of protein per cooked cup (240 ml), lentils are a beneficial source of protein.

Lentils also contain decent amounts of slowly digested carbs, and a single cup (240 ml) provides approximately 50% (14 grams) of our recommended daily fibre intake.

Further, the type of fibre found in lentils has been shown to feed the good bacteria in our colon, promoting a healthy gut. This type of detoxing allows for better workouts.

Lentils are rich in folate, manganese and iron. They also contain a decent amount of antioxidants and other health-promoting plant compounds.

Chickpeas

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are also high in protein.

Chickpeas contain about 15 grams of protein per cooked cup (240 ml). They are also excellent sources of complex carbs, fibre, iron, folate, phosphorus, potassium, manganese and several beneficial antioxidant compounds.

Nutritional yeast

Nutritional yeast is a deactivated strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast, usually sold as a yellow powder or flakes.

This complete source of plant protein provides the body with 14 grams of protein and 7 grams of fibre per ounce (28 grams).

And if you consider it is needed, fortified nutritional yeast is also an excellent source of zinc, magnesium, copper, manganese and all the B vitamins, including B12.

Hemp seeds

Hemp seeds contain 10 grams of complete, easily digestible protein per ounce (28 grams). That’s 50% more than chia seeds and flaxseeds.

Hemp seeds also contain a good amount of magnesium, iron, calcium, zinc and selenium. What’s more, they’re a good source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the ratio considered optimal for human health.

Quinoa

1 cup (185 grams) of cooked quinoa provides us with 8 grams of complete protein, in addition to covering 30% of our daily requirements of iron, 50% manganese and 39% of our daily copper needs.

Quinoa also contains decent amounts of fibre (5.2 grams) , magnesium, thiamine, riboflavin, potassium and small amounts of most of the other nutrients our body needs, including essential fatty acids.

Oats and oatmeal

Half a cup (120 ml) of dry oats provides us with approximately 6 grams of protein and 4 grams of fibre. This portion also contains good amounts of magnesium, zinc, phosphorus and folate.

Oats are a good pre-workout snack.

For the best boost in energy before a hard workout, carbohydrates are easier and faster to digest than foods high in protein and fat.

Chia seeds

At 6 grams of protein and 13 grams of fibre per 1.25 ounces (35 grams), chia seeds contain a good amount of iron, calcium, selenium and magnesium, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and various other beneficial plant compounds.

Nuts, nut butters and other seeds

One ounce (28 grams) contains between 5–7 grams of protein, depending on the nut and seed variety.

Nuts and seeds are also great sources of fibre and healthy fats, in addition to iron, calcium, magnesium, selenium, phosphorus, vitamin E and certain B vitamins. They also contain antioxidants, amongst other beneficial plant compounds.

Add in a little bit of healthy fats before a workout. Try some clementine oranges with a few unsalted nuts. The combination of healthy fats and carbohydrates will help us stay fuelled without weighing us down.

Protein-rich fruits and vegetables

Fruits

Fresh fruits have a lower protein content than vegetables.

Those containing the most are:

  • Guava
  • Mulberries
  • Blackberries
  • Nectarines
  • Bananas

They contain approximately 2–4 grams of protein per cup (150 grams).

These are great before a workout.

Fruit contains energy-boosting carbohydrates—not to mention satiating fibre and phytochemicals that are easy to digest.

Vegetables

Vegetables with the highest protein include:

  • Broccoli
  • Spinach
  • Asparagus
  • Artichokes
  • Kale
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Brussels sprouts

They contain about 4–5 grams of protein per cooked cup (approx. 150 grams).

Incorporating above-ground leafy vegetables (especially kale) after a workout will help neutralise the acid that’s released. We want to keep our bodies in a state of alkalinity, otherwise the body will leach calcium from the bones to neutralise blood acidity.

Two cornerstones of a healthy life are a WFPB diet and regular exercise. Enjoy them both every day…

 


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