High-protein vegan foods – why they are important for weight loss
In this article, we’ll discuss why eating high-protein vegan foods can be important for those who are trying to lose weight on a plant-based diet. We touched upon why eating high-protein plant-based foods can be good for your health in our previous post, ‘Plant-based: Lose weight the healthy way’. In this article, we take a deeper dive.
Vegan macronutrients for weight loss
Protein is one of 3 ‘macronutrients’ which are also called ‘macros’. Macronutrients are 3 nutrient types from which all food is produced. Each food has various combinations of macronutrients, which you measure in percentages. For example, tofu has a relatively high percentage of protein and is considered a ‘high-protein’ food. White rice has approximately a very high percentage of carbohydrates and is considered a ‘carbohydrate’.
Protein for vegan weight loss
If you’re looking to lose weight on a vegan diet, then consider adding more protein to your meals. Eating high-protein foods is an effective way to lose weight when combined with a low-calorie diet. Protein takes longer to digest than carbohydrates, providing a sustained energy source while preventing overeating. This helps you stay fuller longer, and makes it easier to avoid snacking between meals. Including high-protein vegan foods in each meal can help you stay on track with your health goals.
High-protein vegan foods
High-protein vegan foods include a wide variety of plant-based sources. These include foods like beans, quinoa, legumes, nuts and seeds, grains such as oats and bulgar wheat, tofu and tempeh, nut butters and even some vegetables like spinach and broccoli. Vegans can also benefit from non-dairy milk alternatives such as peanut milk or almond milk which offer additional protein with creamy texture.
High-protein vegan sprouts
For an even bigger boost of vegan proteins, try sprouting grains and legumes like quinoa, chia seeds and lentils that can provide higher protein concentrations than their raw or cooked counterparts. Sprouting is a process during which enzymes activate these foods, so they can offer even more nutrients in a smaller package. Additionally, if you are short on time, try convenient options like veggie burgers or veggie sausages available in supermarkets (or even better, make your own!). By making these at home, they are very high in plant-based proteins, full of fibre and have the added benefit of being low in fat and sodium.
Whatever your preferred high-protein vegan option is, there are plenty of creative recipes to choose from so you can reach your health goals without compromising taste!
