Protein is the golden child of the nutrition world right now, thanks to plenty of research showing that including protein at meals helps suppress appetite and aids in weight loss. And the benefits don't stop there: this multitasking nutrient also helps to improve focus, regulate blood sugar, and maximize strength.
Here are 5 excellent vegetarian protein sources to add or augment your healthy diet regime:
Low-fat or Nonfat Kefir
"Going Greek" is all the rage in the yogurt arena right now, but could kefir be the next big thing? Kefir is a cultured milk drink that's thick and tangy (sort of like a drinkable yogurt) — and like other dairy products, it crams a lot of good nutrition into a small package. One cup of plain, nonfat kefir (90 calories) provides 11 grams of high-quality protein, along with 30 percent of the daily value for calcium and a blast of tummy-friendly probiotics. Plus, it's low in lactose, which means it's generally a safe dairy option for people with lactose intolerance. Flavored varieties like strawberry, blueberry, and peach are delicious but contain added sugar, so just make sure you account for the extra calories. You can enjoy a glass of kefir straight-up, add it to fruit smoothies, or use as a substitute for buttermilk in recipes. Companies have even started making frozen kefir — a yummy, ice-cream-like treat.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are edible seeds — yes, the very same ones used to grow Chia Pets — that are especially rich in plant omega-3 fats, like the more popular flaxseeds. And ounce for ounce, chia seeds contain more fiber and calcium than flax. You can pick up a bag in health-food stores or order them online. They're also starting to make their way into packaged foods like chips, crackers, and cereals. Use chia seeds just as you would other seeds or chopped nuts; try them sprinkled on oatmeal, cereal, yogurt, or cottage cheese, or mixed into dips or salad dressings. Unlike with flax, you don't need to grind them first because they're completely digestible in whole form. Consider adding chia seeds to pancakes, muffins, and other baked goods too.
Quinoa
Considered a whole grain, quinoa is actually a protein-rich seed with a rockin' nutritional profile. A cup of quinoa provides 8 grams of protein, about twice the amount found in other starches like brown rice or oats, and the extra hit of protein helps balance out blood sugar. Loaded with fiber, magnesium, and iron, this South American grain definitely deserves its new celebrity status. The best news about quinoa: It's as easy to make as rice and cooks up in just 15 short minutes (prepare with low-sodium broth instead of water to add more flavor). Use quinoa as a base for stir-fries, add veggies or chopped nuts to make a pilaf, or layer it with nonfat yogurt and chopped fruit for a chic parfait.
Tempeh
Originating in Indonesia, tempeh is a fermented soy food made from cooked whole soybeans that have been treated with cultures and formed into a dense, chewy cake. Though traditional tempeh contains only soybeans, many brands on the market today also incorporate grains, vegetables, and seasonings. A four-ounce serving of tempeh provides about 18 grams of vegetarian protein, along with an impressive 8 to 10 grams of fiber from the soybeans. It has a firmer, meatier texture and stronger flavor than its more popular "soy sister," tofu, and though it's definitely not yet a familiar food in US households, I challenge you to pick up a package and give it a try. Create tasty meatless meals by substituting chopped tempeh for ground meat in tacos or chili recipes or adding sliced tempeh to a vegetable stir-fry.
Protein Powders
While it's easier than you might think to get all the protein you need from food, if you're looking for a fast, no-fuss way to inject more into your meals, consider one of the many protein powders on the market. Though brands vary significantly, most provide 20 to 25 grams of protein per scoop, which is equivalent to about three ounces of grilled chicken. Whey protein powder is the most popular variety, but you can also find egg-white powder and vegan varieties like pea, brown rice, soy, and hemp. Combine a scoop with skim milk and fresh or frozen fruit in the blender to make a protein-packed smoothie, or stir some into your favorite whole-grain pancake batter for a energizing and filling breakfast. Keep in mind that most brands are sweetened with artificial or natural sugar substitutes like sucralose and stevia.
Website article excerpts courtesy of NBC's health nutritionalist, Joy Bauer, found here.
