How to be veggie and still get lots of protein

Protein is an essential dietary component as it is the building blocks of the body. It is vital for healthy muscles, organs and even hair, skin, and nails. It is also essential for our immune system, as well as manufacturing hormones and neurotransmitters such as serotonin.

As long as a varied and balanced diet is enjoyed and calorie intakes are being met, it shouldn’t be difficult to reach the daily recommendations for protein. In fact, all dairy products, eggs, soy products, beans, pulses, grains, nuts, and seeds contain protein! With so many delicious protein-rich plant-based foods on the market, it’s easy to reach our targets. For example, GoodLife Falafel are a fantastic choice when you are looking to consume high protein for a meal, as four falafel give you 6 grams of protein.

In the UK, adults are advised to consume 0.75g of protein per day for each kilogram that they weigh – this equates to around 45g per day for the average female. However, those leading a more active lifestyle may need to consume up to 1g per kg body weight or as much as 1.2-1.8g for the very active.

Each protein molecule is made up of a number of essential amino acids, and protein from animal sources contain this full range of amino acids. However, protein from most plant-based sources (excluding soybeans and soy products) either do not contain all essential amino acids or provide them in varying amounts. But fear not, if two foods which contain plant-based protein are eaten in combination, you are more likely to receive a sufficient range of amino acids to create a complete protein. All this means is that enjoying a varied range of plant-based protein sources throughout the day will ensure you receive a diverse range of amino acids for optimal wellbeing.

Protein consumption is best spread throughout the day. Little and often is key! Per meal, our body utilises a maximum of 0.25-0.4g protein per kg of bodyweight for maintaining muscle mass. Surplus protein can be broken down by the body and used as an energy source, alternatively, unused protein is excreted or even stored as fat. This means that on average 20-40g protein per 3-hour period is optimal for muscle growth and repair. Furthermore, protein helps us to keep us full therefore including a portion of protein at each meal can help us to feel satiated and satisfied all day long.

Many following a vegetarian diet over-compensate with dairy to obtain sufficient protein, however, there is a vast range of amazing plant-based protein sources to enjoy. Beans are a good source of protein, and just one GoodLife Spicy Veg Beanburger comes with as much as 6.3g protein and is super high in fibre.