Probably anyone who is vegan or even vegetarian has had to answer this question more than once, “Where do you get your protein?” This is because for a very long time and from the time most of us were children, we were taught that animal products (meat, cheese, milk and eggs) were a major and necessary source of protein. While proteins are important in providing the amino acids our bodies require to build muscle and other body proteins, we actually do not need as much of them as we have been led to believe. Some sources say that we need only 10 to 15 percent of our daily caloric intake to come from protein. In fact, it has been pointed out that too much animal based protein, can contribute to a whole host of serious health problems.

So, where do we get our protein? There is no lack of sources. Actually, all plant foods contain protein. Leafy green vegetables alone get up to half their total calories from protein. A whole foods plant-based diet made up of whole-grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, nuts and seeds, in addition to the many meat substitutes, made from tofu, tempeh and others are valuable sources of protein. Quinoa, a grain-like crop known for its edible seeds, is actually considered a complete protein and is often referred to as a “super grain”.

I know that we vegans are a “problem” for our non-vegan relatives and friends. It often becomes a major crisis to have us over for dinner or even decide on a restaurant to go to. Meat and animal products have for so long been the mainstay of our meals that people are completely baffled and intimidated by the thought of creating an entire meal without these old basics. But seriously, isn’t it the flavorings and spices that are put on all that meat, chicken and fish that make it palatable? How inviting would a giant slab of plain, unflavored beef really be? I understand that it’s difficult to change habits and it can be a little overwhelming to come up with a vegan meal when animal products have been the main focus of meals for so long. Today, there are so many products on the market that can be substituted for meat and so many resources and recipes easily available; it’s surely worth a try. The internet alone is such a rich source of information and there are a vast number of recipes floating around out there, sometimes even with a video presentation, like having your own private cooking class. So, now that you know that getting protein from a vegan diet is a piece of cake (not literally!), why not give it a try? One of the “pros” of a whole food plant-based diet is that there’s plenty of “protein”!