Protein-rich vegetables: here are the best ones

You may not even consider vegetables when you think of protein, but you do in fact have many protein-rich vegetables available to meet your protein intake needs. With all the other benefits that vegetables provide, such as anti-inflammatory properties, rich vitamin and mineral count and so on, the protein count gives you all the more reason to bulk up your meals with colorful veggies.

Since protein is an important cell component, helps you build and maintain muscle mass and tissues, and so much more, you want to have options for what sounds tasty to eat. Many people think of chicken breast when they think of protein, but that doesn’t always sound appealing! So for the days when you listen to your body and you want to fuel up with plant power, you have options from the plenty of vegetables that contain protein!

Now as you may be wondering, ‘what vegetables are high in protein?’... let’s go on to find out. Here’s a list of vegetables rich in protein.

• Artichokes – 4 grams of protein per 1 artichoke
• Asparagus – 4.3 grams of protein per 1 cup cooked asparagus
• Avocado – 2.67 grams of protein per 1 medium avocado
• Broccoli – 4.26 grams of protein per 1 medium stalk of chopped broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts – 3 grams of protein per 1 cup of Brussels sprouts
• Cauliflower - 2.05 grams of protein per 1 cup chopped cauliflower
• Mushrooms – 3.9 grams of protein per 1 cup button mushrooms
• Spinach – 5.3g of protein per 1 cup cooked spinach
• Potato – 5 grams of protein per 1 medium potato, skin on

To encourage yourself and to make it easier on yourself, meal prep some of these protein-rich veggies so that you always have them ready. This way, you eliminate the excuse of not having the time to eat a healthy meal, and you can have them ready to add as a side or the bulk of your meal. These protein-rich vegetables are also great to snack on!

So get creative and think about how you best like your vegetables prepared. Do you like them steamed? Or perhaps stir-fried with some cracked salt and pepper and other spices? Turmeric and black pepper, or fresh garlic and ginger topped toasted almonds with broccoli for example make a great healthy and tasty go-to snack or side!

Now that you know what vegetables are high in protein, do your best to fuel your body and incorporate them into your meals. Your body will thank you for it!