Vegetarian eating isn’t for everyone, but if you’re trying to eat less meat OR you’re going meatless for the long haul, getting enough protein is super important.Of course, how much protein you need differs from person to person depending on your size, activity level, and whatever your health and fitness goals might be. For these meals, we aimed for at least 15 grams as a good place to start when you’re cutting meat (aka a big source of protein) out of your diet.
Also worth noting is that the 400-calorie limit here is mostly arbitrary: The goal is to show that you can be mindful about portion sizes, if that’s your thing, but still get the protein you need to function and feel good. You can figure out how many calories you actually need throughout the day here.
1. Salsa Verde Lentil Tacos With Mango-Pomegranate Pico
Two tacos = 389 calories and 15.9 grams of protein. Nom nom nom.
Get the recipe here, via Ambitious Kitchen.
2. Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Omelet Sandwich
Skip your regular drive-thru breakfast sandwich — this guy’s 149 calories and packs22.8 grams of protein.
Get the recipe here, via The Healthy Foodie.
3.Tofu and Spinach Scramble
Start the day right: with 21g of protein. Recipe here.
4. Kale, Chickpea, and Fennel Salad With Orange Vinaigrette
Photograph by Yael Malka for BuzzFeed / Via buzzfeed.com
The perfect packed lunch = 398 calories and 22.1 grams of protein.
Get the recipe here, via BuzzFeed’s 2015 Clean Eating Challenge.
5. Baked Zucchini Fritters
Each fritter has only 89 calories and 7 grams of protein, so treat yo’self to a nice stack.
Get the recipe here, via My Purple Spoon.
6. Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie With Seitan
William Abranowicz / Via epicurious.com
I know seitan feels like tofu’s weirder cousin, but with about 20 grams of protein per serving, it’s totally worth trying. Recipe available here.
7. Blackberry Yogurt Parfait
Photograph by Yael Malka for BuzzFeed / Via buzzfeed.com
314 calories and a whopping 30.1 grams of protein. Gooood morning.
Get the recipe here, via BuzzFeed’s 2015 Clean Eating Challenge.
8. Cream of Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup
Each bowl has 180 calories and 16.6 grams of protein.
Get the recipe here, via The Healthy Foodie.
9. Cauliflower Steaks With Lentils
Photograph by Yael Malka for BuzzFeed / Via buzzfeed.com
You’ve never had cauliflower like this, promise. Mmmmm. This dish has 350 caloriesand 22 grams of protein.
Get the recipe here, via BuzzFeed’s 2015 Clean Eating Challenge.
10. Thai Salad and Cauliflower Rice Wrap
Super simple to make, crunchy, portable… All amazing things. 330 calories and 22 grams of protein.
Get the recipe here, via Food Faith Fitness.
11. Grilled Breaded Tofu Steaks with Spinach Salad and Tomato Flaxseed Bread
So much work, yes, but also, so much — more than 25g/serving! — protein. Recipe here.
12. Black Bean Chili With Paprika Yogurt and Zucchini
Photograph by Yael Malka for BuzzFeed / Via buzzfeed.com
358 calories and 20.2 grams of protein.
Get the recipe here, via BuzzFeed’s 2015 Clean Eating Challenge.
13. Cauliflower Pizza With Greek Yogurt Pesto and Grilled Veggies
Good-for-you, nutrient-packed pizza? Yep. 331 calories and 27 grams of protein.
Get the recipe here, via Food Faith Fitness.
14. Portobello Mushroom Caps With Feta, Tomato, and Mint
Photograph by Yael Malka for BuzzFeed / Via buzzfeed.com
398 calories and 19.8 grams of protein.
Get the recipe here, via BuzzFeed’s 2015 Clean Eating Challenge.
15. Split Pea Soup
Unlucky is the vegetarian who forgets peas as an excellent source of protein. Assuming you split the batch into four servings, this soup has 400 calories and 24.8 grams of protein.
Get the recipe here, via 101 Cookbooks.
16. Portobella Stuffed Pizza
243 calories and 19.6 grams of protein per serving.
Get the recipe here, via Eat Good 4 Life.
17. Overnight Oats With Blueberries and Chia Seeds
Photograph by Yael Malka for BuzzFeed / Via buzzfeed.com
Easiest breakfast to wake up to, ever. 350 calories and 20.5 grams of protein.
Get the recipe here, via BuzzFeed’s 2015 Clean Eating Challenge.
18. Black Bean Tacos With Spicy Cashew Cheese
Just baaarely over, with 412 calories and 17 grams of protein.
Get the recipe here, via Delish Knowledge.
19. Spanish Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
311 calories and 14.4 grams of protein for two halves.
Get the recipe here, via Minimalist Baker.
20. Sweet Potato and Lentil Cakes With Lemony Avocado Sauce
Serve on a bed of spinach for serious noms. 329 calories and 16 grams of protein.
Get the recipe here, via Blissful Basil.
21. Lentil Sloppy Joes
393 calories and 27 grams of protein.
Get the recipe here, via Including Cake.
22. Layered Roasted Veggie, Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tortilla Pie
356 calories and 18.1 grams of protein per slice. HUNGRY YET?
Get the recipe here, via Ambitious Kitchen.
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