Did you know that protein is required for the development and function of every single part of your body? In fact, our organs, muscles and hormones are made from proteins so it is crucial that we get enough in our diet.

With that being said, consuming more plant-based foods can help combat inflammation, increase fiber intake, and even increase the number of antioxidants we consume. Whether you are a vegan, vegetarian, or a meat eater who is looking for new creative and delicious ways to add more plant-based protein in your diet I am going to break it down for you in this post.

These plant-based foods are high in protein and full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants to support overall health.

4 Plant-Based Foods That Will Boost Your Protein Intake:

#1 Lentils: Who knew lentils were so high in protein? One cup of lentils will pack in 18 grams of protein not to mention manganese, iron, potassium, and B-vitamins. Lentils are also excellent for digestion, blood sugar balance, and heart health. Try making a lentil “meat” sauce with fresh tomatoes, garlic, onion, and lentils. Serve it over some spaghetti squash for a delicious plant-based protein rich meal.

#2 Black Beans: Beans are a staple in a vegan or vegetarian diet, but meat eaters can enjoy them as well. Black beans pack in about 15 grams of protein per cup and are a great source of fiber. The protein and fiber combo will help keep your body full longer and will help balance blood sugar levels.

#3 Almonds: Nuts can be a great way to pack in some healthy plant-based protein into your diet. You will get about 5 grams of protein per ¼ cup of almonds so these make a great snack. Almonds are also heart healthy due to their magnesium content. If you are feeling adventurous, try making a homemade sprouted almond butter to spread on apple or celery slices.

#4 Nutritional Yeast: While this may not sound like the most appetizing option, nutritional yeast actually has a delicious “cheesy” flavor and packs in an impressive 12 grams of protein per 3 tablespoons. It is also very high in B-vitamins which is great news for vegans and vegetarians who may not be getting enough B-vitamins from their diet. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy alternative to cheese and you can even make a plant-based ricotta cheese using cashews, nutritional yeast, and herbs and spices.

Try giving some of these plant-based foods a try to boost your protein intake. Not only will they help fuel the body but these foods will also help keep you feeling full longer due to their fiber content and can help the body fight against disease with their impressive antioxidant content.