One significant way you can be kind to yourself, and the planet is to eat more plant-based foods. Perhaps famous documentaries on the subject like Forks Over Knives or the classic Earthlings inspired your consideration of a plant-based diet. You may want to feel better, live greener, or drop a few pounds. Whatever your motivation, we are sharing some helpful information on plant-based protein. Also, we offer recommendations on plant-based protein powder to help optimize your nutrition.
Be Kind to Yourself and the Planet
If you are looking to go on a 100% plant-based diet, we understand giving up animal protein may be hard for some of you. We get it. Did you know that for many people, taking a middle of the road approach may allow you to ease into a plant-based diet and reap the health benefits, too? It also helps the planet while maintaining a lifestyle that works best for each individual.
When making the transition towards a plant-based diet, it’s best to focus on progress, not perfection, when moving towards a plant-based life. Incorporating vegan protein powders into your meals can help with maintaining a balanced diet during that transition.
The good news is you do not have to go to the extreme until you are ready for it. Even if you shift to one plant-based meal a day, it could have positive health impacts for you and the planet.
Even eating one plant-based meal a day for a year can prevent pollution that is equivalent to roughly 3,000 miles driven in a gas-powered vehicle, and almost 200,000 gallons of water!
Why Choose a Plant-Based Approach to Your Diet?
On an individual level, a plant-based diet can be quite beneficial to promoting optimal health. Plant-based meals tend to have more fiber and less saturated fat and are very nutrient-dense.
Research suggests a plant-based diet may help prevent many diseases, including type two diabetes, cancer, stroke, and heart disease. Other health benefits include helping weight loss, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, and improving overall brain health.
With the extensive health and environmental benefits, why not try and add some more plant-based meals into your week? Perhaps work up to one a day? Add flaxseeds to get some healthy fats, various seeds and nuts to get the protein content, and add veggies to stir-fries for a delicious way to up your plant-based food intake.
Considerations Around Plant-Based Protein Powders
Above all, whole-food-based solutions to obtaining your macros are optimal and healthy. You may be interested in plant-based protein powders if you are on a completely vegan diet. You may also want to simplify your breakfast or lunch by making a quick and healthy plant-based smoothie.
When looking to supplement with plant-based protein powder, there are some things to consider. How many grams of proteins per serving? How many grams of fiber? Should you avoid added sugars and artificial sweeteners? Look for options with protein, fiber, and digestive enzymes. Look for more natural proteins such as pea, hemp, and brown rice protein. They are less likely to contain GMOs.
Here Are Some Recommendations for the Best Plant-Based Protein Supplements
Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein + Superfoods Powder, you can enjoy the benefits of both protein and superfoods. It includes 21 grams of organic plant-based protein from peas, brown rice, and chia seeds. Also, it contains 5 grams of organic dietary fiber. It contains 1 gram of sugar in each serving. In addition, this protein was developed by doctors, is vegan, USDA organic, dairy-free, lactose-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and non-GMO. The addition of superfood to this powder gives it more bang for your buck and adds a food-based source of vitamin B6 and C, iron, riboflavin, thiamin, and pantothenic acid.
Sprout Living Epic Protein Powder, Vanilla Lucuma Flavor, is an excellent source of plant protein. This super tasty plant-based protein powder is a complete protein derived from yellow peas, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sacha inchi, and cranberry seeds. It contains lucuma that has some powerful health benefits according to alternative medicine practitioners, including a reduction in inflammation, immune-boosting properties, lowering blood pressure, protecting against some cancers, and it is a naturally low glycemic sweetener. This super clean protein powder is suitable for even those on a paleo diet.
Best Budget Plant-Based Protein Powder
Anthony’s Premium Pea Protein is a fantastic and straightforward product and an excellent option if you are on a budget. This natural plant-based protein source has only one ingredient, is vegan, soy-free, gluten-free, and GMO-free. This simple product is suitable for a ketogenic diet. The pea protein isolate is sourced from Canada and then packed in California. It is also unflavored and unsweetened, making it very versatile.
Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Unflavored Powder is an organic, gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, soy-free, and non-GMO whole food protein. This fantastic product has 22 grams of pure plant-based protein. It is sugar-free and suitable for a ketogenic diet. This raw vegan protein comes from 13 organic sprouts and peas grown in the USA. They have also included BCAAs, which will speed your recovery after workouts. This protein powder is nutrient-rich and low calorie. They have also included enzymes and 3 billion CFU probiotics to help and improve your digestion.
Sunwarrior Warrior Blend, Organic Vegan Protein Powder with BCAAs and Pea Protein. This complete protein is made even better with the addition of antioxidants, goji berries, MCTs, legumes, hemp, and ground coconut. The addition of BCAAs will aid in post-workout recovery and promote the production of lean muscle. This product is organic, vegan, and suitable for a ketogenic diet. It is free of GMOs, gluten, and soy.
