Protein is an essential nutrient required by body builders who want to repair and build new muscle. Whenever you’re trying to gain mass, it is likely that you will increase your intake of protein, while intensifying your muscle building exercises. If you’re taking part in boot camp training in New Jersey, your instructor will discuss the importance of nutrition with you, but what happens if you can’t consume the products or food sources that most people do, especially if you’re a vegan?
If you’re looking for the best Vegan sources of protein that will provide good nutrition for training, then you’ll be able to take a few ideas from the list below.
Best Vegan Protein Sources
Some of these may surprise you, and some you may already be eating. If you need to up your protein intake, you can do so with a combination of the below foods, without compromising your vegan lifestyle.
Legumes
These vegetables, especially beans, are rich in fiber and can provide you with significant amounts of protein. A single cup of soybeans can provide you with as much as 28 grams of Protein. Of course you don’t have to just eat soybeans, you could consume soy products like tofu, which has 22 grams of protein per cup.
Vegetables
Beans aren’t the only vegetables that are rich in protein. Besides providing plenty of other health benefits, vegetables like avocado, sweet potato, broccoli, peas, and kale, all have at least 5 grams of protein per cup. They’re also low in calories. Avocado is the star of the bunch, with 10 grams per cup, making it a great addition to salads and snacks.
Grains
Most people drop grains into their carb category, while forgetting that they are also an excellent source of protein. Wholegrain bread, tortilla wraps, and buns, can provide as much as 10 grams of protein per serving. Oatmeal has almost the same per 1 cup. Quinoa is another grain that is high in protein, with 9 grams per cup. Incorporate grains into your meals for an energy boost from the carbs, and the muscle building benefits of protein.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are mostly known for their fat content, but they’re also protein powerhouses. An ounce of cashews, sesame seeds, or pistachios, provides between 5 – 10 grams of protein. Butter products, like peanut butter, are also high in protein. You can consume around 4 grams of protein per tablespoon.
Vegan Doesn’t Mean You Miss Out on Fitness Nutrition
If you’re following a vegan lifestyle, you don’t need to miss out on good nutrition. In addition to the food sources above, talk to your New Jersey fitness trainer. They will be able to provide a comprehensive list of the best food sources for body building, so you’ll never have to compromise on your personal choices.