Wait a minute... Vegetables have protein?
YES!!!
If you are like me, the first thing that comes to mind when you think about protein is meat. And, don't get me wrong, I do enjoy a little meat. But, it's not my favorite. So, if I can get protein in other ways, I'm all about it!
Most of us know that veggies are great sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, but they can be a great source of protein as well if you know which ones to choose!
There are hundreds of different veggies available, but these are my 5 favorites when it comes to the protein they are packed with!
1. Peas 8.5 gm/cup
These little green veggies are yummy, versatile, and full of protein! I love to steam them and eat them. I also love to add them uncooked to my salads! On top of being a great source of vitamins A and C, one cup peas gives you over 8 grams of protein!
2. Broccoli 4.4 gm/cup
Broccoli is one of my favorite veggies, with or without all the protein that's in it! I just love the way it tastes. Roasted broccoli is a staple in our house. I even eat it with my eggs for breakfast! And, I'm getting over 4 grams of protein per cup when I do!
Yes, you read right! Brussels sprouts! I know this veggie has a reputation for being completely disgusting, but have you actually tried them? Douse them with a little olive oil and Balsamic vinegar then roast them in the oven. My kids actually ask for them! And at 5.6 grams of protein per cup, you just can't go wrong!
4. Yellow Corn 5.1 gm/cup
So, technically, corn is a vegetable, grain, and fruit. (That's a whole other article on it's own!) But, for today, we're calling it a veggie! Take it off the cob, eat a cup of it, and you'll get 5.1 grams of protein!
5. Edamame 18.5 gm/cup
OK... I have to admit that these are not one of my favorite veggies to eat, but I do have some from time to time. But, no list of high-protein veggies would be complete without them because of the whopping 18.5 grams of protein per cup that they carry!
So, now you have it! My top 5 picks of veggies that pack a protein punch! Go try some of them for yourself! Add them to your breakfast, lunch, dinner, or have them as a snack!
And, if you want to know the protein content of your favorite veggie (or any nutritional content of any of your favorite foods!), try out the USDA What's In Your Foods Search Tool! It's a great source of nutritional information!
What are your favorite ways to get protein?
Stephanie Antkowiak is the Fitness and Wellness Director at the Invictus Institute. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and almost two decades of experience in teaching and children's ministry. She is a 3rd degree black belt, and has been in the martial arts and fitness industry since 2000. She does group fitness instruction and wellness education for the Invictus Institute in addition to being a full-time wife and mother of three.
No comments:
Post a Comment