Natalie Castro is an RD from Baptist Health South Florida, and today, she has compiled a list of benefits on why you should fuel your body with plant protein. Today’s post is not to encourage all of the steak lovers out there to turn vegetarian, but rather, debunk the myth you cannot get adequate amounts of protein from a plant-based diet.
Honestly, I used to have the same mindset when it came to food that many Americans have. I thought that going vegetarian or vegan would be absolutely torturous. I thought I would hate every day of it. I thought I would never feel satisfied and give up after my first meat-free meal. In fact, I did not even think you could get protein from sources other than meat. Boy was I wrong! As the old saying goes: “ignorance is bliss”, and now after diving into the health and fitness community I can say that “knowledge is power” is the more powerful statement!
As my life has transitioned into the health and fitness space I have acquired so much knowledge about the way food is used as fuel in your body. Plants, nuts, seeds and heart-healthy fats are great sources of energy, fiber and offer enough nutrients to ward off diseases that are plaguing this country including: obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure. Plants can help detoxify the body and give your gut a much-needed break to reset and recharge.
Plant protein sources I love include:
- Quinoa
- Lentils
- Black beans
- Hemp Seeds
- Flax Seeds
- Nuts and Nut Butter
- Chia Seeds
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Oatmeal
For more on fueling yourself with plant protein and a great vegetarian recipe, make sure to check out the full post from my friends over at Baptist Health South Florida!
