Protein has always been recommended as part of a healthy balanced diet and despite what many may believe, it is possible to meet recommendations for protein whilst following a vegan diet. Grains and pulses are all good plant-based protein sources. However, it is only now that people are discovering the true power of protein for managing blood sugars and for effective weight loss.
Vegan on Female First
Five reasons to include protein in your diet:
Stop snacking. Protein takes longer to digest than carbohydrates or fats, therefore you feel more satisfied and less likely to eat between meals! This has obvious benefits for anyone who is watching their weight.
Balance sugar levels. Combining protein with carbohydrates helps to slow the absorption of sugar from your stomach into your bloodstream. Therefore reducing sugar highs, sugar cravings and sugar crashes!
Repair muscle & tissue. Protein is made up of 'building blocks' called amino acids that help to build and repair tissues such as skeletal muscle, bone, hair, finger and toe nails, cartilage and skin.
Include more vitamins and minerals. Eating protein can help you include more vitamins and minerals into your diet. Pulses and beans contain fibre, which helps ensure a healthy bowel.
Burn calories. Known as the 'thermic effect of food' (TEF), it refers to the energy we use to digest our foods. Protein has a higher TEF than carbs and fat, so you need more energy to process protein, which means we actually burn more calories to do this.
Protein suitable for vegans is found in a variety of foods: pulses, beans, nuts, seeds, soya and even grains.
Nutritionist, Helen Money comments "Protein can be a great weapon if you are trying to lose weight. Feeling hungry can be the biggest cause of people failing to stick to healthy eating. If weight loss is your goal then it's important to try and get your blood sugar levels under control. Sugar highs and lows will leave you feeling exhausted and could result in you making a beeline for the biscuit tin. Protein and fibre are your friends when it comes to controlling your blood sugar and losing weight. These two will slow the rate that food leaves your tummy leaving you feeling fuller for longer and ensuring that sugar is released at a steadier rate into your blood stream. So, if you are looking for a way to lose a few pounds and avoid sugar cravings then try to include a good source of protein or fibre in all your meals and snacks."
Explore pulse and bean pastas are suitable for vegans and are a great source of protein, boasting more than 20g of protein per 100g, which is the equivalent of eating 3 eggs.
Explore pulse pastas are made from organic lentils, chickpeas, edamame beans, mung beans, black beans and soybeans. The pastas are suitable for all dietary requirements, including gluten free, vegetarian or vegan.
The pulse pasta is available in six varieties; chickpea fusilli and spaghetti, green lentil lasagne and penne, and red lentil penne and spaghetti in 250g packs from ASDA, Holland & Barrett and Planet Organic. Retail prices for Explore pulse pasta are from £3.00.
Explore bean pastas are made only from organic beans and water and are all suitable for vegetarians and vegans. There are four variations of Explore bean pasta to choose from: Organic Black Bean Spaghetti, Edamame & Mung Bean Fettuccine, Organic Soy Bean Spaghetti, Edamame Spaghetti
The bean pasta is available in 200g packs from Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, Holland & Barrett, Ocado and Planet Organic. Retail prices for Explore bean pasta are from £3.00.
For more information on Explore Cuisine as well as recipe ideas please follow @ExplorePastaUK on Twitter or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ExplorePastaUK
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