15 Sources of Protein Other Than Meat
Chances are you could eat a little healthier. We all could. You might have a weird family member that’s a super-pushy health nut or an obnoxious co-worker, but more than likely, they’re the only people you know eating healthily. And those people probably eat some weird food. If you’ve found yourself thinking about eating healthy, then thinking about that green blended shake they always seem to be drinking, don’t. There are plenty of normal ways to eat healthier.
For example, cut red meat from your diet. It’s extremely bad for you, your heart, and your waist. You’ll need to replace it with something, though. It was probably your biggest source of protein! Protein is crucial to our diet, and while you might think, “Hey, I can just replace all that beef I was eating with chicken,” just remember, that’s a lot of chicken. Everyday. There are easier ways to incorporate protein into your diet that don’t include meat. They’re delicious, come in everything from drinks to snacks to meals, and are super easy to incorporate into your diet without you becoming that weird family member. And if you happen to try out vegetarianism on your journey to eat healthier, you won’t have to deal with the obnoxious, “Where are you going to get all your protein if you don’t eat bacon and cheeseburgers?” Try these alternative meat sources out as soon as you can.
Disclaimer: The information in this content is for general informational purposes only, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your lifestyle.
Lentils
Most people don’t even know what lentils are, and even less people eat them. It’s too bad. People are missing out on one of the best, protein-packed foods you can eat. Most health nuts are eating them and for good reason. They work great in a number of recipes, but they really shine in Latin American dishes.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal may be bland by itself, but it’s extremely good for you. It’s a great way to get energy on those groggy mornings and contains a decent bit of protein. There’s a lot of different types out there, but steel cut oats are better than instant oatmeal. Both are healthy, though. Be sure to experiment with the toppings for a super-easy breakfast.
Peanut Butter
It’s a proven fact that everybody loves peanut butter. It’s also been proven that it’s a protein powerhouse. Whether you decide to make yourself a sandwich or just dive in with a spoon, you can’t go wrong with this protein-packed snack.
Hemp Seeds
Hemp gets a bad rap because hemp is basically marijuana, right? Nope, not at all. It’s a part of the same family, but hemp is super, super healthy and super, super-not intoxicating. They’re tiny, delicious little seeds that are generally regarded as one of the best sources of non-animal protein.
Black Beans
Black beans are great. They can make a lot of different, easy-to-make dishes, but they shine with Latin American foods. Rice and beans, bean dip, tacos. There’s really no way to go wrong with black beans.
Almonds
If you’re a snacker, then almonds are the snack for you. They’re great for your heart, packed with protein, and can be eaten about 1,000 different ways. Eat them raw, add them to a salad, or put some almond butter on a sandwich. Just make sure you’re getting this healthy nut into your diet somehow.
Sunflower Seeds
It may surprise you that sunflower seeds are on this list. They’re not just for truckers and baseball games any more. They have a surprising number of benefits, ranging from their high number of vitamins to their high levels of protein. The internet has a ton of great recipes!
Quinoa
There’s a good reason why quinoa seems to be on just about every list of “Foods you should eat but aren’t.” It’s super easy to cook, and since it is typically used as a substitute for rice or pasta, it’s also super versatile. Grab some on your next visit to the store and see which of your favorite recipes it works well with!
Eggs
Eggs are a staple in our diets, and there’s good reason. They’re cheap, there’s a thousand different ways to make them, and they super delicious! Plus, they’re said to be one of the best sources of protein. After all, there’s a reason athletes eat so many of them. If you aren’t already eating eggs a few times a week, you really are missing out on a ton of great meals!
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt has risen in popularity in recent years, and when you look at all the health benefits, it’s easy to see why. It’s got a lot of protein — more than normal dairy products — but it’s also got probiotics to keep you from getting sick and calcium to keep your bones strong. It’s an easy thing to snag on the go, pack for work, or eat as an afternoon snack, so make sure you grab some soon!
Kale
We all know that kale is super good for us. It’s one of the most popular foods right now thanks to the “superfood” status it acquired in recent years. It’s one of the most nutrient-packed foods on the planet, and that includes protein. It’s a lot healthier for you than the normal lettuce you stick in your salad, so trade that iceberg out for some kale in tomorrow’s lunch.
Milk
There’s a lot of debate about whether milk is good for you or not, but it seems like you should drink it if you aren’t lactose intolerant. It’s got a lot of vitamins and minerals, it’s protein packed, and it can help you both build muscle and lose weight. What’s not to love about that?
Broccoli
Didn’t your momma ever tell you to eat your greens? If not, she did you a serious disservice. Broccoli is one of the healthiest things we can eat. It’s packed with iron, vitamin C, antioxidants, and, you guessed it, protein. Eat this raw if you can or steamed if you can’t. It’s a great food you really need to work into your diet.
Avocado
If millennials had to pick a food that defined their generation, they’d pick avocados without a moment’s hesitation. They’ve stuck avocados on any and everything they can! But there’s good reason for that. They’re superfoods that taste great by themselves or on just about anything. Give one a try and you’ll be getting a decent bit of extra protein while you’re at it!
Soy Milk
If you can’t consume dairy, try soy milk instead. It has been found to be the most comparable milk alternative on the market, and it has the highest amount of protein of them all! It tastes delicious and is undeniably good for you. Why wouldn’t you drink it?
