My Top 4 “Fast Food” Plant Proteins (that also fight Breast Cancer)
One of the most common questions I get among my clients is, “What types of proteins should I eat? And can you make it simple for me?”
Research tells us that plant-based vegan proteins are the absolutely best source of protein for reducing the risk of breast cancer as they’re packed with healthy vitamins and minerals, cancer-fighting phytochemicals, and fiber that feeds the microbiome and may balance hormone and sugar levels.
Plant-based proteins don’t have to be hard or take tons of time to prep…time is precious and as a working mother of four, I know the value of stocking my pantry with easy, quick, yet healthy foods that are ready in a minute! Here are my favorite “fast food” plant-based proteins that are a total lifesaver when you’re on-the-go. I keep them in my pantry and at the office – they’re guaranteed to save you time and keep you satisfied!
1) Grab and Go: Watermelon Seeds
Watermelon seeds are full of protein – ⅓ of a cup has 13.5 grams of protein. That’s almost twice the protein found in almonds! The kind I recommend is shelled so that it’s easy to digest, deliciously crunchy, and ready to add to just about any meal or snack.
Quick Tip- Grab a bag of watermelon seeds on your way out the door for a snack or to add to a salad for lunch!
2) At-The-Office Salad Boost: Tetra Pack Of Beans
Tetra packs, unlike cans, are free from hormone-disruptors BPA (bisphenol A) and BPS (bisphenol S) which have been linked to increased cancer risk. Tetra packs don’t require refrigeration and can be opened by hand–meaning these packs can be kept in the office or anywhere! Best of all, just ½ a cup of beans has about 8 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber.
Quick Tip: Add some beans to your greens for a lunchtime salad that’s easy to make and keeps you fueled till dinner. Or make a quick soup with canned tomatoes, fresh veg, and a few Tetra packs of beans.
3) Quick Comfort Food – Sprouted Lentils
Yes, everyone knows that lentils are packed with protein and fiber. But cooking them can be time-consuming, usually 30 minutes just for boiling! Sprouted lentils cook in just 5 minutes, plus sprouting makes them easier to digest and activates their nutrients, making them more available for our body’s use.
Quick Tip: Like beans, add sprouted lentils to greens, or mix up with some chopped veg and vinaigrette for a quick salad. I also love mixing lentils with bruschetta for a delicious dip.
4) For The Whole Family – Protein Pasta
When it comes to cooking for the whole family, boiling a pot of water is about as easy as it gets! Chickpea or lentil protein pastas are readily available at health food stores and contain about 13g of protein in a 1.5 cups serving. Bonus: this is a sneaky plant based protein that even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy (trust me).
Quick Tip: Keep veggies and a pre-made tomato sauce on hand to make pasta night a breeze!
