How to Effectively Add More Protein Into a Plant-Based Diet to Boost Metabolism

As an online weight loss coach, I always advise my clients to increase their protein intake. One of my most effective weight loss strategies revolves around my Protein More concept. This straightforward yet impactful approach, involving incorporating more protein more frequently into your diet, has proven to be a game-changer for my clients, revving up their metabolism and shedding those unwanted pounds.

When working with clients who’ve adopted a plant-based diet, I often witness surprise as their attempts at a healthier lifestyle lead to similar weight loss challenges. In this article, I’ll discuss the importance of a high-protein diet, explore the challenges in avoiding animal byproducts, and how to effectively add more healthy plant-based proteins that will boost your metabolism.

How is Protein Beneficial to a Weight Loss Diet?

• Crushes your cravings
  Protein is the most filling among carbs, fats, and proteins. It triggers hormones that help regulate weight, making you feel full and eat less. It’s like a natural way for your body to Support weight loss – the more protein you eat, the fuller you are, and the less calories you consume.
• Empowers muscles
  Protein is the building block of muscle. Eating adequate amounts of protein will reduce muscle loss, and maintain the muscle you already have. By introducing moderate amounts of strength training into your routine, you’ll be able to successfully increase muscle mass and strength.

Weight loss Wisdom: Increasing your protein won’t make you bulky. Protein preserves muscle, while light strength training enhances it. Gaining tons of muscle is only possible by consuming tons of protein and engaging in extreme weight lifting.

• Fires up your metabolism
  Clients are often surprised to find out that eating revs up your metabolism for a while. It’s called the thermic effect of food (TEF). When your body digests food, it burns calories and uses the nutrients. Because protein takes its time to digest, it can amp up your metabolism and boost the calories you burn.

Weight loss wisdom: Boosting your protein intake is crucial, especially if your workout routine isn’t as consistent as you’d prefer– aiding in both fat loss and increased muscle mass.

Fuels weight loss
Because protein revs up your metabolism and curbs calorie intake, those who amp up their protein often see quick weight loss results. Even better, maintaining the protein more” mindset not only aids in shedding pounds but also supports long-term weight management, preventing unwelcome comebacks.

• Weight loss Wisdom: Add generous portions of protein to your morning routine for instant weight loss results fast!

How to Add Protein to a Plant-Based Diet in a Way that Boosts Metabolism

Make your protein count with three simple tricks.

1. Maximize the perfect proteins
2. Limit the ones that need a boost
3. Supplement with the protein boosters, you’ll maximize your protein intake without unnecessary added carbs.

• Perfect Proteins
  These two protein-rich, low-carb options offer versatility, nutrient density, and easy digestibility, while providing all the essential amino acids necessary for the body, delivering pure and uncompromised protein.
  • Protein Powder
  • Tofu

• Proteins that Benefit from a Boost
  While these protein sources are good for a balanced diet, be aware that they also contain high levels of carbs, so increasing portion sizes will increase protein and carbs, disrupting the weight-loss formula.

Carbs beyond what your body uses to burn fat might cause digestive issues and could lead to nutrient gaps.

Consume them moderately, and think about using protein boosters or supplements for better nutrition.

• • Black beans
  • Lentils
  • Chickpea & Garbanzo bean flour
  • Quinoa

• Protein Boosters
  Protein boosters add flavor and texture while delivering a powerful protein punch without adding additional carbs (even in small amounts).
  • Hemp seeds are nutty in flavor and add a crunchy texture.
    Boost meals by
    • Blending them into smoothies.
    • Mixing into oatmeal or dairy-free yogurt.
    • Sprinkling on top of salads.
    • Create a vegan hemp seed pesto with basil, garlic, and olive oil, then top it with nutritional yeast (it tastes just like parmesan cheese!).
    • Roasting or toast for a crunchy snack.
    • Indulging in vegan help seed energy bars.
    • Adding to muffins, bread, or granola.

• Flax seeds are best served ground and have a nutty mild flavor.
  Boost meals by
  • Blending them into smoothies. This is my go-to Metabolism Boosting protein smoothie recipe– you have to try it!
  • Mixing into oatmeal or dairy-free yogurt.
  • Sprinkling on top of salads.
  • Incorporating ground flax seeds as an egg substitute in baking recipes. Mix one tablespoon of ground flax seeds with three tablespoons of water to replace one egg.
  • Making energy balls with hemp seeds, nuts, dried fruit, and sweeteners like maple syrup and dates.
  • Adding ground flax seeds to thicken soups or stews.
  • Sprinkling on top of stir-fries or grain bowls.

• Nutritional yeast has a savory, cheesy, nutty flavor.
  Boost meals by
  • Create a vegan “parmesan” by blending it with nuts and a pinch of salt, then sprinkle it over salads for a cheesy flavor.
  • Sprinkling on top of oatmeal for a savory twist.
  • Mixing into oatmeal or dairy-free yogurt.
  • Blending into vegan cheese sauces or dips for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
  • Topping your salads or chickpea pasta (it tastes like parmesan cheese!).
  • Seasoning grains and vegetables.
  • Stirring into soups and stews for a savory flavor boost.

Beware of Carb-loading!

Eating more protein boosts metabolism, but if that protein source has large amounts of carbs, that leads to counterproductive results.

Weight loss Wisdom: Aim for balance– 30g protein per meal, carbs half that.

Don’t Let More Protein Leave You Feeling Defeated

While the intentions of living a plant-based diet are good, many struggle to understand why their genuine attempts at a healthy lifestyle aren’t reaping the rewards they expected. Protein is good and consuming more is a necessity for any diet. However, without the animal protein that provides the lean sources of protein, the possibility of nutritional deficiencies in your diet is increased.

Knowing your plant-based protein options and how to eat them right is important. With a bit more know-how and following basic rules, you can have a diet that makes you feel and look better, giving you more confidence.

As you plan your next meals, remember: it’s not about packing as much protein as you can onto your plate, but being aware of which proteins are most beneficial for a healthier, more empowered you.

Related Content:

• Four Ways to EAT MORE and Boost Metabolism, Get Off Sugar, and Have More Energy
• Flavonoid Metabolism: A Breakthrough in Understanding Plant-Based Health Benefits
• Does Your Metabolism Slow Down with Age? Not According to this Study
• Low-Fat Vegan Diet Protects Against Disease, Boosts Metabolism
• How Vitamin B1 Helps Your Metabolism and Nerves

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