Protein is necessary for the human body to function at its best. Proteins are organic compounds present in every single cell in your body. They form the foundation for your body’s muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments and skin. As your body takes in new protein through the foods you eat, it is constantly replacing dead or damaged cells. In addition, protein is used to carry essential nutrients and oxygen throughout your body.

In a standard diet, meat is the largest source of protein, but the vegetarian diet relies on plant-based sources for the protein needed to keep the body healthy. If you’re a vegetarian, therefore, it is extremely important to eat plenty of high protein vegetarian foods. Anyone looking for vegetarian foods high in protein will benefit from the following advice from the nutrition experts at Pita Jungle.

How to Get Protein as a Vegetarian
 

1. Choose Whole Grains

Always choose whole grains over refined or enriched ones. Whole-grain foods such as quinoa, couscous, brown rice, and whole wheat breads and pastas contain a lot of protein compared with their non-whole counterparts.
 

2. Eat Plenty of Legumes

Legumes are rich in protein and should make up a large part of any vegetarian diet. Options such as lentils, beans and peas can be found on the menu at many restaurants, as well, so you can get the protein you need even when dining out.
 

3. Don’t Skimp on the Soy

Soy-based products are an excellent source of protein for vegetarians. Making smart choices like pouring soy milk over cereal, using soybeans in stir fry dishes, and sprinkling soy cheese over salads can go a long way to increasing the amount of protein in your diet. In addition, tofu and tempeh are high protein vegetarian foods that make a great substitute for meat in many non-vegetarian recipes.
 

4. Reach for High-Protein Snacks

Reach for snacks – such as nuts, seeds and nut butters – that really pack a punch when it comes to protein. Although these foods are typically high in fat, in small snack-sized portions, they are a great way to get bursts of protein between meals.

When dining out, simply stop by one of Pita Jungle’s many convenient locations in Arizona for high protein vegetarian food options that will help you get the protein you need to stay active and healthy. Come discover “The Art of Eating Healthy®” today!