Meat Free Proteins

A few nourishing non meaty proteins for you to try

Lately I’ve been exploring and enjoying eating mostly meat free meals. Not because I've decided to call myself a vegetarian, or because I think that is the best "diet." I'm all about eating intuitively, based on what my body is asking for, right now, it's mostly plant based foods.

No labels, diets or restrictions - I'm just enjoying eating this way.

So first thing we think of with meat free meals, Vegan or Vegetarian is “where’s the protein” and did you know, that there are an abundance of nourishing, complete (and incomplete) proteins available that don't have to be meaty.

Truth is - we could all do with a bit less meat in our diets - and a whole lot more veggies, no matter what.

I recommend keeping veggies at the heart of your meals and get creative with protein!

So here’s just a few meat free complete protein options I have been loving:

Quinoa:

Super high in B vitamins, zinc, potassium, calcium, fibre and vitamin E.
It's a great alternative to rice and couscous - with slow release energy
Rich in protein - more than any grain. 28% of your daily intake in fact!

Cook it like rice and add as a side to curries, toss through salads, you can even eat it as porridge!

Check out my Quinoa Fried Rice Recipe on my blog.

Tempeh:

Is fermented soy beans (it looks a bit like Tofu) you can buy it from a health food store, or Supermarkets in the fridge - Organic soy products are always best.

I think it’s way more tasty than Tofu and while soy can be harder to digest, the fermentation breaks down the phytochemicals and makes it sweet for our tum to digest.

Crispy pan fried with vegetables, tempeh vege stir fries, curries or tempeh burgers even.

Eggs:

If they’re your thing, choose quality organic and free range eggs to get loads more actual nutrients from happy sunshine pasture fed chookies and they taste better (they might be more pricey, I make them last by just having one in a serve)

Eggs for brekky, on top of a vege stir fry/salad, or an omelette!

Try the famous Smoosh - for any meal

This is really just a taster!

Leave your comments below and if you’re interested to know more, send me a message!