One of the biggest misconceptions of a plant-based lifestyle is that you cannot get enough protein with a 100% plant-based lifestyle. That claim is not true at all. Today I will share with you 3 plant-based foods that you can find plant-based protein.

Before we begin. Protein by definition is “any of a class of nitrogenous organic compounds that have large molecules composed of one or more long chains of amino acids and are an essential part of all living organisms, especially as structural components of body tissues such as muscle, hair, etc., and as enzymes and antibodies”. Quoted from Oxford Dictionary online dictionary, lexico.com. The word protein itself does not single out animal meat, as the word protein is mostly associated with animal meat.

Quinoa

Quinoa is a gluten-free complete protein source. A complete protein contains all nine essential amino acids. Quinoa is 16% protein. This makes quinoa a fulling grain. 

The Incas referred to Quinoa as a sacred grain and therefore called it “la chisiya mama”, which means “the mother grain. South America is known for quinoa.

You might find recipes on the internet or in cookbooks that call for quinoa, such as salads or bean burgers. Quinoa adds body, fullness, and of course protein to these dishes.

Interested in Quinoa? You can use my recipe for “How To Cook Tri-Color Quinoa”.

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Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds contain 5 grams of protein per 30 grams. Sesame seeds have a rich nutty flavor when toasted. Seeds in general contain protein. I personally use sesame seeds in my bread, on my breakfast waffle, a tablespoon in my morning seamoss shake, and I stir in some tahini in my beans or pasta.

Tahini is a condiment made from sesame seeds. I make my tahini with brown sesame seeds, coconut oil, and sea salt. You can find my 3-ingredient recipe for Brown Sesame Seed Tahini. You can use tahini in salad dressings, hummus, and even some cookie recipes call for tahini. 🙂

Lentils

Lentils are another favorite protein source of mine. Lentils are a small legume that you can find in many colors such as brown, green, or red lentils. One cup of lentils contains more than 17 grams of protein.

I eat lentils in many ways, in my ital sip, as the base of my baked lentil loaf, or stewed in tomato sauce or coconut milk.

Let me know which one of these protein sources surprised you as being plant-based in the comments.