Nutrition Hacks - Vegan Snacks That Are Packed With Protein!
With more and more of us becoming aware of the profound health benefits that vegetarian and vegan eating can offer, it’s no surprise that such eating habits have seen such a rise in popularity. The benefits of eating a diet containing no meat or dairy goes beyond the health perks involved, this approach to nutrition is also absolutely fantastic for the environment!
When it comes the topic of protein, however, there is a common misconception that vegan diets = insufficient protein…this is wrong! A well-planned meat and dairy free diet can actually still provide you with all the nutrients that you need - this is something we’ll discuss more within this blog.
Join us as we explore the value that vegetarian and vegan diets can deliver to our lives! We’ll also be taking a look at some delicious vegan snacks that are great for the planet as well as the taste buds…
So, Why Are So Many Of Us Going Vegan?
To say that vegan eating has numerus benefits is an understatement…vegan eating can positively impact many parts of your life in addition to the world that’s around you. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons that’ve encouraged millions worldwide to adopt a vegan diet.
The Health Benefits Are Amazing!
If you dream of losing weight, a vegan diet could be something to give a go. Plant-based diets have supported many people with shedding excess weight. Research suggests that a vegan diet can help you to replace high-calorie foods with less calorie-dense vegan options.
A lot of vegan food also happens to be rich in fiber whilst also low in calories, meaning that you’ll be fuller for longer!
Vegan eating has been found to help lower blood sugar levels and improve kidney function and has also been linked to lowering the risk of heart disease. Vegan eating may be especially profound for those who are looking to combat high blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugar levels.
You Can Still Get All The Nutrients That You Need!
The myth that a vegan diet means sacrificing a sufficient intake of nutrients is completely false! A well thought out vegan diet can include an abundance of vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients.
A common misconception is that vegan diets may lack sufficient protein…however, many plant-based products actually contain plentiful supplies of protein as well as sufficient levels of all nine essential amino acids.
You’re Doing The Planet A Great Deal Of Good!
It’s been claimed by experts worldwide that vegan diets could actually be the single best way to reduce your environmental impact on the planet! Researchers at the University of Oxford suggested that adopting a plant-based diet could reduce your carbon footprint by 73%!!-this is mainly due to how destructive industrialised animal farming is to our planet.
Right, let’s take a look at some vegan snacks that are not only full of taste but also protein!
Plant-Based & Protein Packed
As mentioned, plant-products can certainly provide us with all the protein and nutrients that we need despite common concerns! Let’s take a look at some great vegan snacks that can most certainly boost your protein intake!
Roasted Chickpeas
This delicious snack will have you wanting more and more! Luckily, they’re healthy so it’s all good! A 100g serving of this snack contains a considerable 20g of protein, as well as taste and flavour in abundance, roasted chickpeas are also high in iron, folate and fiber, making them a super nutrient dense snack.
Soya Yoghurt
Soya Yoghurt is a common yoghurt substitute for many vegans. Being dairy-free does not stop this snack from still being rich with taste and texture! Additionally, a single serving can contain up to 15g of protein as well as a significant amount of calcium.
Granola
Granola is the perfect breakfast ingredient when looking to start the day with wholesome energy! Granola is packed with vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B, vitamin E, iron and zinc. It also has a high protein content with around 10g of protein per 100g! This snack combines beautifully with soya yoghurt and fruit, it’s also packed with fiber!
Hummus
Hummus is made from chickpeas and is available in an array of different flavours- there’s literally something for everyone! Hummus is also rich in protein with around 20g per 100g serving- impressive! Hummus is a super tasty yet healthy snack that goes brilliantly with celery or carrots. The perfect snack!
Lentils
A cup of lentils can have up to a whopping 25g of protein! Lentils are a versatile addition to many dishes, salads and soups! Research has also suggested that the type of fiber found in lentils facilitates the feeding of good bacteria in your colon, which is great for gut health!
Quinoa
Quinoa provides up to 10g of protein per cooked cup and is also significantly high in fiber, especially in comparison to other grains! Quinoa contains all the essential amino acids and also has a low glycemic index, making it great for controlling blood sugar levels!
Peanut Butter
Packed with flavour, texture, taste and a load of protein…peanut butter is a really great option when looking for vegan friendly snacks! A 100g of peanut butter can contain up to 30 whole grams of protein! Peanut butter well and truly is packed with protein!
The Plant-Based Diet Is Full Of Positives!
So, despite common concerns, it appears after all that the plant-based diet does not in any way mean the sacrifice of protein or other nutrients! Not only does vegan food support you from a health point of view, adopting plant-based eating habits will also significantly reduce your carbon footprint and leave you assured that you’re contributing positively to not only yourself but also to the planet that we call home!