Following a vegetarian diet can make it significantly more difficult to consume enough protein each day, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Many vegetarian dishes naturally center around vegetables which are packed with vitamins and minerals that can be of great benefit to the body, but with a little extra effort you can create some delicious and filling meals that also provide enough protein to nourish your body and fuel your muscles for adequate growth and a more effective metabolism.
Lacking inspiration for the week or looking to start following a vegetarian diet but don’t know what to eat? We rounded up the four protein-packed dishes you need to try this week to satisfy your cravings and fuel healthy weight loss.
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Vegan Lentil Tortilla Soup
Beans and legumes are essential additions to your diet if you’re going to discontinue animal protein, and lentils are some of the best for packing quite a punch in their nutritional value. This thick and filling soup will not only warm you up from the inside out throughout the winter, but one serving contains 19 grams of protein from both the cashew cream and lentils.
Ingredients: Yellow onion, olive oil, garlic, jalapeno, red bell pepper, fire roasted tomatoes, red lentils, black beans, corn, cashew cream, tomato paste, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, salt, oregano, lime juice
Mediterranean Chopped Salad Pita
If you’re in the mood for a lighter, refreshing meal, this salad and pita combo is perfect for lunch or dinner. With chickpeas as the primary source of protein and a variety of colorful veggies to provide delicious flavor, this meal comes together in just 15 minutes while offering 8.5 grams of protein per serving.
Ingredients: Romaine lettuce, chickpeas, tomato, cucumber, red pepper, red onion, kalamata onions, feta crumbles, fresh dill, pita bread, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian dressing, salt, pepper
Mexican Three Bean Salad
Loaded with beans for both fiber and protein, this filling and hearty dish will help to increase satiety and fuel your body for healthy weight loss. With avocado as a source of healthy fat and corn and other veggies as carbs, this meal hits all the major macronutrient groups while tasting great.
Ingredients: Kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, red onion, green bell pepper, grape tomatoes, corn, avocado, cilantro, hot sauce, olive oil, honey, lime juice, cumin, Mexican chili powder, salt, pepper
Peanut Tofu Stir Fry
Tofu is another great asset to include within a vegetarian diet and is also extremely versatile in the ways it can be prepared so your protein source doesn’t have to be boring. Peanut butter also provides a serving of protein so this sweet and savory dish can do double duty as a healthy addition to your meal lineup and the perfect way to sidestep ordering takeout because you can simply make something tastier at home. Win win!
Ingredients: Ginger, garlic, peanut butter, soy sauce, water, apple cider vinegar, sriracha, sesame oil, canola oil, extra firm tofu, cabbage, broccoli, green onions, sesame seeds
