Many of us enter a new year intending to eat better. Whether this means trimming back on sugar or committing to prepare more home-cooked meals, the goal to improve nutrition is a near-universal resolution.
Perhaps one of your New Year’s health intentions is to go bigger on protein from plants. And that is certainly a worthy venture. Planning meals around plant-based proteins can have profound health benefits.
For instance, a 2024 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition involving nearly 50,000 participants found that higher intakes of plant protein were associated with healthier aging, such as being free of certain chronic health conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and also having better mental health.
Plant proteins not only provide the amino acids necessary to help build and maintain lean body mass, but these plants also come equipped with fibre, nutrients, and antioxidants necessary for aging well. No wonder plant-based diets continue to buzz.
When veganizing meals, though, some people might struggle to get enough protein. But it’s not wise to leave protein off the plate. This is why it’s important to have an arsenal of plant-based meal ideas that will provide sufficient quantities of this mighty macro.
Celebrate Veganuary with these dishes that feature protein in the starring role.