What are some quick protein options besides beans and PB for busy meals?

I’m a vegetarian trying to get back to veganism but I’ve been needing more protein lately (and also iron, but that’s another story).

One of the struggles is getting tired of just PB oats every day for breakfast. Same with lunch - I feel like I run out of ideas for quick, protein-packed options. I’m really busy and don’t have much time to cook, and dinner can get boring too.

What are some of your go-to protein sources that aren’t beans or peanut butter and aren’t just fake meat replacements (like soy burgers)?

Pea protein powder?

Finch said:
Pea protein powder?

How do you usually use it? I’ve never tried it before.

Hunter said:

Finch said:
Pea protein powder?

How do you usually use it? I’ve never tried it before.

Orgain makes a flavored vegan pea protein. Anything chocolate-flavored makes a great shake on its own. You could also put a prepared shake through an ice cream maker to make high-protein ice cream.

Not sure what types of meals you like, but I have a ton of high-protein recipes here. Most of them are pretty quick to make!

Vero said:
Not sure what types of meals you like, but I have a ton of high-protein recipes here. Most of them are pretty quick to make!

I’ll check it out. Thanks!

Nuts, soy curls, tofu.

I prep breakfast the night before. Usually, I blend silken tofu into a smoothie. Just Egg muffin cups are great for meal prep too.

Protein shakes go great with avocado toast, peanut butter and jelly, tofu scramble, oatmeal with other stuff (I rarely put peanut butter in my oats - there are so many other options lol), beans on toast, protein pancakes, overnight oats. You can meal prep all these too.

You can get a lot of protein from dark leafy greens and sweet potatoes. Also peas, barley, farro, brown rice - all really good options. When I was trying to up my protein, I’d combine teff with polenta and make a super tasty dinner, topped with sautéed kale and mushrooms.

@Blane
That sounds yummy! Spinach or other greens with sweet potatoes and brown rice might be a good idea.

Hunter said:
@Blane
That sounds yummy! Spinach or other greens with sweet potatoes and brown rice might be a good idea.

Add some Asian-style peanut sauce to the sweet potato - it’s amazing!

Quinoa

Skyler said:
Quinoa

Wow, I had no idea! Thanks for the tip.

Hunter said:

Skyler said:
Quinoa

Wow, I had no idea! Thanks for the tip.

No problem!

I love making TVP tacos. It takes 10 minutes, just some TVP and spices. You can use the ‘meat’ for tacos, nachos, burritos, or mix it with potatoes.

Ezri said:
I love making TVP tacos. It takes 10 minutes, just some TVP and spices. You can use the ‘meat’ for tacos, nachos, burritos, or mix it with potatoes.

I never got into TVP but this sounds great!

Nuts, quinoa, tofu, tempeh, seitan. I eat a lot of beans too.

I try to get lots of protein in my diet.

For breakfast: avocado toast on Dave’s Killer Bread with tempeh + nutritional yeast (17g protein)

Smoothies with protein powder, peanut butter, hemp seeds, and soy milk (I get 47g of protein in my smoothie this way)

Tofu scramble, chili with lots of beans and crumbled baked tofu (I make a big batch for the week; you can also make other stews with tofu crumbles for meal prep). Air-fried tofu cubes can be added to any meal, and blending tofu into sauces is a great way to sneak in protein.

Boiled edamame tossed in sesame oil and salt make a great snack.

Apples + peanut butter, hemp seeds, chopped nuts, honey.

Veggies with hummus.

@Bright
I love hummus, but sometimes I get burnt out from eating it all the time. I’m sure I’ll go back to it though!

I do Huel chocolate black edition blended with a banana and some PB2 for breakfast.