{"id":70303,"date":"2016-08-16T18:16:57","date_gmt":"2016-08-16T17:16:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/veganuary.com\/blog\/protein-fat-vegan-diet\/"},"modified":"2026-05-01T14:16:30","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T13:16:30","slug":"protein-fat-vegan-diet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/veganuary.com\/en-us\/protein-fat-vegan-diet\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get Protein in a Vegan Diet"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What are the best plant-based protein sources? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Credit: Christopher Shoebridge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

vegan protein<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There may be a lot of protein in meat, but that doesn\u2019t mean that it doesn\u2019t exist anywhere else. It does! And vegans simply do what elephants, bison and rhinos do. We go straight to the source \u2013 plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While protein is an essential macronutrient, protein deficiency is not a concern for most of the US population. That said, it\u2019s important to be aware of what plant-based foods are protein-rich, and to include a variety of plant-based proteins in your meals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

what is protein?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are 20 amino acids that make up protein and our bodies are able to make most of these themselves. However, there are nine that we need to get from food, and these are known as essential amino acids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Individual plant foods contain all of these, but in varying proportions. There are two that we need to be more aware of: lysine and methionine. Typically, cereals such as rice and wheat are lower in lysine, and legumes like beans, pulses and peas are lower in methionine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By ensuring you\u2019re eating a balanced diet that includes both cereals and legumes, you\u2019ll be getting all of the essential amino acids you need.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Image Credit: AdobeStock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

VEGAN PROTEIN SOURCES<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So where can we find plant-based protein? Here are some of the best vegan protein sources you can include in your diet:<\/p>\n\n\n\n