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7 Ways to Get Protein If You're Cutting Back on Meat

February 26, 2019

You’re kind of over grilled chicken, and after the July Fourth weekend you never want to see another hamburger again. That’s all well and good, but where will you get your protein? We’ll tell you: from any one of these seven excellent meatless sources.

LENTILS

Part of the legume family, lentils have an impressive 18 grams of protein per cup. While they’re often used in soups and stews, we’re all about this warm salad that’s as beautifully rustic as it is flavorful.

CHICKPEAS

Ahh, the humble chickpea. We adore them ground into hummus, love their ability to take on pretty much any flavor and respect their 14 grams of protein per cup. As long as we can eat a bunch of these little guys, we’ll never have to worry about meeting our daily protein recos.

QUINOA

Clocking in at eight grams of protein per cooked cup, this powerful grain might be the most versatile non-meat source of protein. Eat it for breakfast instead of oatmeal, form it into veggie burgers or bake it into healthier cookies.

KIDNEY BEANS

In addition to lowering cholesterol and stabilizing blood sugar, kidney beans are a terrific source of protein with 13 grams per cup. They’re hearty enough for soups but not too overpowering in a lighter dish like these colorful avocado pitas.

BLACK BEANS

Well look at that, another member of the bean family coming up big in the protein department. The darker variety has 16 grams per cup, as well as 15 grams of fiber (that’s more than 50 percent of the daily recommended amount). On top of that, they’re often served alongside avocados, which we’re never going to complain about.

TEMPEH

Made by combining fermented soy beans, tempeh is typically sold in cake form and has a fairly neutral (if subtly nutty) flavor. That means it can take on a variety of tastes depending on how you season it. It also contains an impressive 16 grams of protein per three-ounce serving.

TAHINI

Tahini is a condiment and baking ingredient made from toasted and ground sesame seeds. With a consistency that's a touch thinner than peanut butter, it’s an awesome nut-free substitute for those with allergies. It’s also got a commendable amount of protein--eight grams in every two tablespoons.