With meat being targeted as a direct cause of many serious illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes and some types of cancer, more focus is to be put on non-animal protein sources. Meat was once believed to be the most efficient protein source, but is now a main suspect of bad health. Scores of people are turning to a healthier diet that excludes animal products and emphasizes the importance of vegetables, beans and grains. Remember you only need 40 to 60 grams of protein a day. Here is our top 10 list of high protein, animal-free foods that is guaranteed to satisfy you and keep your body and mind healthy. 1. Tempeh: The Indonesian delicacy is now available at most supermarkets and vegetarian and vegan restaurants. One cup of Tempeh equals 41 grams of protein. 2. Cooked lentils comes in second place with 18 grams for each cup. You can enjoy lentils cold as part of a summery salad or hot with curry sauce on bread. 3. Chickpeas, a Middle Eastern favorite where mixed with other green and fried in balls turns into Falafel or eating in a salad or even a drink, as Egyptians like it, boiling stock with spice and lemon juice. One cup of chickpeas gives you 12 grams of protein. 4. Tofu: Asian, and now international favorite ingredients that works best as a breakfast scramble or a main player at dinner comes in number 4 with 9 grams for each 4oz. 5. Everyone's favorite spread with jam come at 5. Peanut butter has 8 grams of protein for every two Tablespoons. 6. Soy milk, a vegan essential as a milk substituent with 5 grams of protein for each cup. 7. Whole wheat breads have 5 grams of protein for 2 slices. 8. Boiled or steamed broccoli with 4 grams per cup. 9. Avocado is a power food containing carbs, protein, omega 6 essential fats and fiber. Avocado is two percent protein. 10. Oats, you can have for breakfast, a quick snack or in making veggi kofta! Oats are loaded with protein with 7 grams in one cup. BM
