How to Include Quality Plant-based Protein in Meals

updated 3/31/18

Today I'm happy to share food tips, ideas, and information about how this plant-based eater amps up quality protein in her meals.

High Protein Salad of Mixed Beans, Brown Rice, Red Lentils, and Salad Greens

Since I made the decision to be a vegetarian (37 years ago) and vegan (10 years ago), my journey to create a healthy lifestyle has been filled with exciting food adventures.

I've explored nutrition research, read cookbook recipes and invented my own, consulted with the experts, and listened to my body and intuition many times too. 

I've discovered legumes including dried cooked beans, lentils, and dried split-peas are a low fat source of quality protein and fiber. Legumes contain important vitamins and minerals like iron, potassium, calcium, and folate. Compared to animal sources of protein, whole food plant-based protein is usually lower in cost. 

Protein is the building block of cells, but not the only element to consider when planning a sound vegan eating plan. It's key to eat a variety of whole plant-based foods that are colorful, and rich in nutrients. 

I get protein from complex carbohydrates including grains, veggies, fruits, pulses and legumes, and make sure to drink adequate water during the day. 

To add digestion, elimination, and not gain weight, I eat only a smidgen of plant-based foods that contain fat including avocado, black olives, pumpkin seeds, and a teaspoon of raw almonds or other nut.

Many brands of tofu, tempeh, and soy and nut milks are packed with protein and fortified with other nutrients such as calcium, iron, and vitamin B12, so I get my fill of those too.

To Get More Specific, Here's a List of Vegan Foods with Protein Count Per Serving:

Organic Tofu. Protein: 8 to 15 grams (depends on how it's made) per 3 oz serving

Organic Edamame. Protein: 18 grams per 1-cup serving, cooked

Organic Tempeh. Protein: 3 oz. supply 15.77 grams cooked

Black Beans. Protein: 39 grams per cup, cooked

Mixed Salad Greens. Protein. 2 cups raw provides 2 grams

Spinach. Protein: 1-cup serving provides 1-3 grams, depending on whether it's raw or cooked.

Broccoli. Protein: 1-cup chopped serving provides 2.6 grams

Zucchini. Protein: 2.9 grams in one zucchini

Kale. Protein: 1 cup chopped kale has 2.9 grams

Kidney Beans. Protein: 13.44 grams per 1 cup, cooked

Chickpeas. Protein: 1 cup cooked provides 15 grams protein

Chickpea Hummus. Protein: 2 Tablespoon provides 2 grams

Lentils. Protein: 9 grams per 1/2 cup, cooked

Split Green Peas. Protein: 16 grams per cup, cooked

Sweet Potatoes. Protein: 1 cup provides 2.1 grams

Almonds. Protein: 1 oz of raw almonds provides 6 grams 

Brazil Nuts. Protein: 6 raw nuts or 1 oz provides 4.1 grams

Pecans. Protein: 1 oz raw provides 2.6 grams

Walnuts. Protein: 1 oz raw walnuts provides 2.6 grams

Almond Butter. Protein: 2 Tablespoons raw unsalted 7 grams

Cashew Butter. Protein: 2 Tablespoons raw unsalted 6 grams

Peanut Butter. Protein: 2 Tablespoons raw unsalted 8 grams ( I don't eat peanuts, but include this for your information)

Sunflower Seeds. Protein: 1/2 cup provides 14.5 grams

Chia Seeds. Protein: 1 oz or about 2 Tablespoons provides 4 grams

Flax meal. Protein: 1 oz or about 2 Tablespoons provide 12 grams

Pumpkin Seeds. Protein: 1/4 cup 9 grams

Barley. Protein: 1 cup of cooked hulled barley provides 22.96 grams

Brown Rice. Protein. 1 cup of cooked brown rice provides 5 grams

Quinoa. Protein: 8 grams per cup, cooked

Cornmeal. Protein: 1 cup of cornmeal provides 11 grams

Buckwheat. Protein: 6 grams per 1 cup serving, cooked

Nutritional Yeast. Protein: 3 Tablespoons supply 12 grams

Whole Grain Bread, Escarole and Bean Soup, Edamame, Kale Red Pepper Butternut Squash Salad

My health and happiness increases with intentional eating, mindful self-care including exercise and stress reduction techniques, nutritional study, trial and error,  and consistent, patient implementation of this style of meal planning every day including holidays. 

I'm still adding a new trick or two and read everything I can get my hands on about health and a healthy lifestyle.

I eat many servings of both fresh (raw) and cooked veggies and fruits every week. I use the fresh stuff in salads, veggie juices, and fresh food snacks, and incorporate others into sautéed, baked, and broiled dishes. 

Greens, black eyed peas, sprouts, and carrots

These are some plant-based foods I love: broccoli, collards, beets and beet greens, carrots, red cabbage, chard, kale, blueberries, apples, and arugula. I even put certain veggies or fruits into dips, soups, and casseroles.


Dare to excel and use tempeh and tofu as toppings for salads, add to sauces, or as part of the filling for tacos, enchiladas, veggie burgers, or veggie loaf. 

What I don't eat and suggest you not eat either, are processed foods, "fake" foods, and empty calories from soda, fried foods, or highly salted or sugar laden ingredients. These empty calories lower the body's natural ability to maintain optimal health. 

A whole food plant-based eating plan raises your body's natural inclination to stay healthy. In the long run, eating all your fruits and veggies cuts down on medical expenses.

Did you know spices add a touch of protein as well? In fact, garlic is a stand alone spice. It works well with just about everything. If you'd like, roast the entire clove and eat it as a side dish. One teaspoon of garlic contains .2 grams.

When you make planning for a whole food plant-based diet a priority, you care for yourself in a very special way. 

Rest assured that this lifestyle can help prevent chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Eating all your fruits and veggies also elevates your mood and increases your sense of well-being. Be happy, eat whole foods that are plant-based and get your fill of energy from plant-based protein.

The quote for today follows:  “A plant-based diet is more likely to produce good health and to reduce sharply the risk of heart problems, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, gallstones, and kidney disease.” – T. Colin Campbell, PhD

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Wordless Wednesday Cary, NC

Lighted Fountain in Park at corner of S. Academy St. and Kildaire Farm Rd. 

Cary, NC is one of the south’s fastest growing towns and voted one of the best places to work and live in the country (Money Magazine). We visited there in the fall, and I'm finally able to post about it now.

I was so excited about going on the trip, that the night before I didn't sleep that well. Then, with fully packed airplane cabins during our connecting flights, we were anxious to land, stretch, and walk around.

My husband and I were grateful the downtown area, where our boutique hotel, the Mayton Inn, was located was only a quarter hour drive away from the airport. 

The Mayton Inn, in downtown Cary has custom built furnishings to reflect the feel of the 1920's, and environmentally responsible and green technologies were incorporated during construction and have been in place since it opened.

More About the Mayton Inn

Cary was a fun place for us to visit, because we spent quality time with family, had meals at delicious vegan friendly restaurants, and found great walking and recreational areas. 

We also discovered unique shops and things to do and see.

The revitalized downtown area has welcomed a fresh crop of new businesses, and is home to the Cary Arts Center and public library. Lovely homes, shops and restaurants, and street art line the brick walkways, with plenty of greenery interspersed.

Thanks for coming along with me to Cary, NC.

The quote for today follows: 

“Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” 

― Terry Pratchett, A Hat Full of Sky

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Put subscribe in the subject line and just sign your name in the body of the email. Thanks so much!

Before you go, please remember to comment and reshare. Have you been to this part of NC? Please let me know what you think you'd enjoy in Cary. If you're a native, what's your favorite place to hang out.

I appreciate the visit and hope you'll visit my blog again.

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Guilt Free Gluten Free Vegan Cornbread

Savor freshly baked Maple Cornbread with no guilt and no gluten. Follow along to discover how easy it is to prepare and serve this treat. 

Cornbread goes great with a piping hot bowl of Split Pea, Lentil, or Black Bean Soup, and makes the perfect side with Vegetarian Chili or a plant-based stew.

Perhaps you prefer cornbread as a snack, when you’re craving delicious taste without the bloat of wheat based bread and no cholesterol. This recipe is simple to make and doesn't include refined sugars. An added advantage is that home cooked meals save bucks. 

Prep time is approximately 15 minutes and cook time is 30 (cook time varies, and depends on your stove accuracy and elevation). There's nothing finer than munching on freshly baked homemade cornbread.

Slice of Cornbread with Organic Blueberries on Top

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons ground flax seeds
4 Tablespoons warm water
1 cup ground cornmeal (if you like very flaky cornmeal use coarsely ground, for more cake-like batter use finely ground cornmeal)
1 cup gluten free flour of your choosing
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground sea salt
1 1/2 cups almond milk or other nut milk
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup apple sauce
Optional ingredients for a sweet tasting cornbread: cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and coriander. For a southwestern style taste: add roasted poblano and red bell peppers, corn, and a pinch of cayenne.

Note: I use organic ingredients when available, because organic means nutrient content is higher and product is not genetically modified, not sprayed with chemicals, and is not grown in soil that contains chemical fertilizers.

What to Do:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Start by selecting a loaf pan (1.5 qt.-2 qt. size), and spray it with cooking spray or use a drop of olive oil on a paper towel to coat bottom and sides of pan.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flax meal and water and set aside for 15 minutes. This combo acts as your binding agent. 
4. While that's setting, get a large bowl, and place corn meal, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into it. Whisk ingredients together.
5. Then, get the bowl with the flax seed mixture and add milk, maple syrup, apple sauce, and any optional spices you like to it. Whisk to combine.
6. Pour milk mixture into flour and fold until there are no dry spots and batter is slightly lumpy.
7. Pour batter into loaf pan and bake for approximately 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean.
8. If you're not eating it right then, place in an airtight container and refrigerate. To serve as a dessert or sweet snack, eat a delectable slice of cornbread with berries or fruit spread. Makes about eight-ten slices. For a Southwestern style cornbread add roasted poblano and/or red bell peppers, corn, and a touch of cayenne.

Wishing you a hearty appetite and mouthfuls of good flavor. Serve this scrumptious cornbread at a family dinner, solo meal, snack food, or at your New Year's Eve Potluck, and don't forget to give thanks for this bounty.

What type of cornbread do you enjoy? Sweet or savory? I must admit I like them both. I like savory with soups, casseroles, stews, and chili. Sweet is neat as a snack and dessert. Please comment below. When you try this recipe, please let me know how it worked for you.

The quote for today is from Jeremy Jackson. "But since you're asking me, I'll tell you my opinion: all cornbread is authentic, as long as it's good, hot, and made with love and fresh ingredients."

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Wordless Wednesday Tucson Street Art

I'm having a love affair with Tucson, and thought you would like to take a peek at my photos this Wordless Wednesday. Street art and natural beauty are two of the reasons I fell in love with this city in 2001, and why I love it still.

Shadow on the street, my honey and me in silhouette

Sonoran Desert, Brotherhood, and Natural Beauty

Space and Places to Walk or Hike Outdoors

Mural Painted on the Side of a Building Downtown

My Quote for today is,

"Once a year go some place you've never been before.” Dalai Lama

💗

 I Love Tucson and wish you'd vacation here.
Be well and Enjoy the Winter Holidays.

Please take a moment to comment. Have you ever been to Tucson? What did you like about it? Please explain. 

What do you look for when you travel to a new place? For me, I first consider if there are vegan friendly restaurants (which there are) and natural sights to see (many). Don't you think those are good reasons? 

Please visit my blog again. An upcoming feature is going to be about some of my favorite places to eat. ☝

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Tips to Boost Gratitude Today!

Scientific research reinforces what life experience suggests; it’s impossible to feel stress and tension when you're feeling grateful. Studies show it's a sound health practice to focus on what you are thankful for, rather than dwell on things you think you lack. 

The calming part of the nervous system is triggered by thoughts and feelings of gratitude, and works to make you feel refreshed and happy. 

An American Psychological Association quote adds to this good news. "A grateful heart is a healthier heart and a thankful outlook can lead to improved outcomes in heart-failure patients.” 

Don't you think practicing gratitude is worth a try?

To that End, I Offer Tips to Boost Gratitude Today!

Journal about gratitude and count your blessings. My investigation of the facts indicates gratitude heals, energizes, and transforms lives. Professor Robert A. Emmons from UC Davis, a science of gratitude expert, said expressing gratitude “can lower blood pressure, improve immune function and facilitate more efficient sleep. Gratitude reduces lifetime risk for depression, anxiety and is a key resiliency factor in the prevention of suicide."

Colors of Joy Provides Many Activities to Help You Draw Gratitude into Your Life

Amp up journal writings’ benefits with color. Use colored pens and markers to record your ideas about the goodness in your daily life. Perhaps you feel you have little time to write in a journal daily. Keep it simple. Take a few minutes, night or day, to do a colorful bullet list of things you are thankful about. Another choice is to do a mental gratitude list. Whatever you decide, know that colors bypass reason and work at the sensory level to make journal writing fun and transformative.

Meditate about gratitude. Define the word in your mind's eye and reflect on examples in your life. The definition I like best is an original, "gratitude is the human quality of being thankful, including readiness to show appreciation and kindness toward ourselves and others." How do you define it? 

Pamper yourself to make grateful feelings multiply. Shower yourself with kindness. Joy and thankfulness are plentiful, when you are compassionate with yourself. Self-care has a ripple effect, and helps you respond to others in a loving way. See this for additional self-care tips.

Appreciate much and take nothing for granted. Life and the people in it owe you nothing. Treat every person and pleasant thing anyone does for you as an unexpected treasure. Look at your work, play, home, health, and social interactions as blessings in your life.

Use your eyesight, hearing, sense of smell, taste, and touch, you "come alive" in the present moment. Practice cherishing and accepting things just as they are. Do you know what I mean?

                                         

LIVE RIGHT NOW!

As the baseball player Wade Boggs said, "Our lives are not determined by what happens to us, but how we react to what happens, not by what life brings us, but the attitude we bring to life."

Make the most of every day. Rather than complain the glass is half empty, see the glass as filled with stuff to meet your needs. Don't put off your enjoyment for another day. Reserve time to do fun things like walk or hike in nature, play a favorite sport or game, or undertake a project you’ve been putting off doing. When you complete it, give thanks. Be mindful to balance business and pleasure; it creates warm, fuzzy feelings in you.

Display humility and stand with others. When you have a realistic conception of your assets and strengths, and possess the ability to acknowledge mistakes, imperfections, and gaps in knowledge, you are on the high road to personal satisfaction. Combine this with the aspect of being interested in what others have to say and willingness to learn from them. All add up and make you a gratitude winner.

Give to others to multiply gratitude. Make a donation to your favorite charity or prepare a meal for someone less fortunate than yourself. Sharing your money, time, food, and clothing with others helps you open your heart more fully. 

Be generous with kind words and gestures too. Let your thoughts be intentionally appreciative, and give others the benefit of the doubt. In the long run, it helps you be peaceful and empathetic, instead of judgmental.

Thank you dear reader for your visit. I’m grateful to be alive, and realize none of us know what tomorrow will bring. That's why I set the intention to celebrate gratitude today, and I wish you would too!

My quote for today is "I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver." Maya Angelou  

Please take a moment to comment below. What people, places, and things are you grateful for? Do you participate in things that help you feel more grateful? What are they? Please re-share this post if you enjoyed reading it, and pick up your copy of Colors of Joy today. 💖

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