5 high protein veggies to add to your diet
There’s a common misconception that the only real way to amp up your protein intake is to eat animal-based products or lots and lots of beans — the truth is that there are actually some delicious veggies that pack in a serious dose of protein, and we’re sharing our top five picks, plus some yummy ways to consider adding them to your diet.
5 Veggies You May Have Never Thought Were High in Protein
#1 Spinach
While this veggie is the shining star of plant-based iron-rich foods, it also happens to come with a fairly hefty dose of protein too. One cup of cooked spinach racks in about 5 grams of protein, so go ahead and add a handful to your pasta dishes, mixed into your soups and stews, or blended into a smoothie.
#2 Broccoli
Broccoli is another nutrient-rich powerhouse food that’s also a great source of plant-based protein, offering about 3.7 grams of protein per cooked cup. It’s also a super delicious addition to any healthy and balanced diet and can be enjoyed in so many delicious and nutrient-dense ways.
Try sauteing it with some garlic and onion or even making it into a creamy broccoli soup.
#3 Green Peas
They may be small, but green peas are one of the best vegetable sources of protein, packing in about 8.6 grams per one cup! That’s a ton of added protein that you can easily add to pasta dishes or your favorite soups.
#4 Asparagus
Asparagus is another one of those surprisingly good sources of protein. One cup of cooked asparagus comes with about 4.3 grams of protein (not too shabby). Grilled or roasted asparagus also makes a delicious side dish that can add an extra dose of plant-based protein to your meals.
#5 Edamame
Ah, edamame — a vegan snack fan favorite. Not only is edamame super delicious, but it’s also full of protein, packing in a whopping 18.46 grams of protein per cup! So, next time snack cravings hit, consider snacking on this plant-based protein-packed food.
Turns Out There Are Tons of Plant-Based Protein-Rich Foods to Pick From
While a plant-based diet is often viewed as being low in protein, this is really the farthest thing from the truth. Besides the commonly known protein sources (think beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh), vegetables that you may already be enjoying liberally may also contain tons of added protein that you didn’t even know about.
Not enjoying these veggies as often as you would like? Consider adding more of them to your diet to not only add extra protein, but flavor too!
