As time goes on, it appears as if more and more people are dabbling with the idea of being a vegan or vegetarian. Whether for weight loss reasons, animal rights, or simply personal preference, people are expanding their horizons with respect to the way 
they eat.
Many ask those who are vegan or vegetarian, “how do you get your protein if you do not eat meat??” Although meat does hold an efficient amount of vitamins and minerals that are minimal in some plants, there ARE plenty of ways for them to get protein in their diet.
If you have been thinking about eating a meatless diet or are new to the lifestyle, here is a quick list of protein sources you should consider:
1. Seeds: chia seeds, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds. Seeds are great to throw on salads, in smoothies, or sprinkle on oatmeal.
2. Nuts/Nut Butters: almonds, walnuts, pistachios, peanut butter, and almond butter.
3. Quinoa
4. Lentils
5. Beans: garbanzo beans, black beans, and kidney beans.
6. Edamame
7. Soymilk
8. Tofu
9. Tempeh
10. Plant-based protein powders: hemp protein powder, pea protein powder
11. Dark leafy greens: spinach, kale, swiss chard.
12. Eggs (if vegetarian
13. Greek yogurt (if vegetarian)
Written By Danielle Maina, NASM Certified Nutritionist
