“Oh you don’t eat meat? Then how do you get your protein?” is probably the most common question that gets asked of people on vegetarian or vegan diets. Whether you’re a certified vegan or you’re just looking to decrease your meat intake, shock your friends and family by actually being able to answer their pressing question! This list doesn’t include every single source of non-meat protein, but it is a good start!
- Beans
- Beans are a super convenient and cheap source of protein. They can easily be added to a salad or soup and incorporated into your everyday meals.
- Chickpea pasta
- Pasta is a great and simple meal for college students. Swap out your regular pasta noodles with some chickpea pasta for an added boost of protein. They’re also gluten free!
- Lentil pasta is another great form of pasta protein
- Chickpeas
- Chickpeas are an easy snack for a college student on the go. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper and put them in the oven for 30 minutes for a protein heavy and healthy snack!
- Quinoa
- Swap out your rice for quinoa, a superfood filled with tons of nutrients and protein.
- Nut butter
- Pick your favorite nut butter, add it to a sandwich or toast or even eat it by the spoonful
- Oats
- An extremely versatile and healthy breakfast option also has a ton of protein! Add your favorite nut butter to a jar of overnight oats for even more.
- Soy
- From soymilk, to tofu, to edamame beans, this protein source can be found at any grocery store and is really easy to incorporate into your daily diet.
Plant protein can be really easy to incorporate into your diet and it doesn’t have to break the bank if you’re on a college student budget! Being mindful about reducing your meat intake, while also maintaining proper nutrients in your diet, will not only make you feel healthier, but is also better for the planet!