It may probably be hard to get enough protein if you’re a vegetarian who follows a vegan diet. Luckily, plenty of easy ways to boost your intake without resorting to supplements or heavily processed foods. Here are five simple and delicious high-protein vegan meals that will keep your body in peak form:
1. Eggplant Mince
Eggplant mince is a vegan alternative to meat and a great source of protein and fiber. The texture of the cooked eggplant is similar to that of ground beef when you cook it long enough, but without the cholesterol and saturated fat. This recipe can be eaten on its own or used as a side dish with pasta or potatoes. It’s quite easy to make ahead of time and can be kept in your fridge for up to 5 days!
While preparing vegan meals on your own is good, it may not always be possible, especially after a long day at work. There may come a time when “cooking dinner sounds like worse than serving time in prison.” At such times, you can locate the best vegan takeaway destinations near you using platforms like Chef Online and buy them in no time. This way, you don’t have to compromise on your healthy lifestyle even when you are running on a busy schedule.
2. Lentil and bean chili
This dish is a hearty and satisfying meal that packs a protein punch. It’s also simple to make, so it can be a great one-pot recipe for those with limited kitchen skills or time. The best part? You can use whatever beans and lentils you have on hand! This dish uses chickpeas and kidney beans in addition to the lentils, but you could easily sub out either for your favorite bean or lentil. If you have some leftover vegetables from another meal, toss them into this chili for extra fiber and nutrients (just make sure they are cooked before adding). If you want to add more veggies, try sweet potato or squash during the last 5 minutes of cooking time—they taste great with the spices!
3. Lentil and veggie shepherds pie
- You can use lentils instead of meat.
- You can use veggie mince instead of meat.
- Use a high-protein sauce, such as red wine or bolognese.
- Use a high-protein topping, like tofu or nuts
4. Three bean salad
Three-bean salad is a great way to get protein and fiber, which your body needs to keep you feeling full. It’s also a source of iron and B vitamins. This recipe contains a variety of beans, including kidney beans and chickpeas—a good combo that provides both types of fiber that aid digestion. Add some crunchy veggies like carrots and cucumber for more fiber and antioxidants. Add a dressing made from olive oil and lemon juice for flavor!
5. Spaghetti marinara
Spaghetti marinara is a simple and tasty meal that can be made in bulk. It’s easy to prepare and store, making it a perfect choice for weeknight meals. This dish is a source of protein, fiber, iron, calcium, vitamin C and other essential nutrients.
Cooking healthy meals can be challenging, especially when trying to keep your diet vegan. However, we hope this list has given you some inspiration and ideas for how to ensure your food is high in protein and full of nutrients.