Why are so many people shifting to plant protein?

Over the last five years, plant-based diets, lifestyles and by default, plant-based foods have gone nuts, (see what we did there?) Around one in three Kiwis are now reducing their meat consumption or eating no meat at all. A recent study has analysed Google Trends data and found that New Zealand now ranks in the top 5 for veganism worldwide. (The study looked at the frequency of vegan-related search terms across all languages to determine where in the world veganism is most popular.)

Thinking of moving to a plant-based diet — So what’s in it for me?

One of THE most beneficial things you can do to improve your health, raise energy levels, and prevent chronic diseases is to move to a more plant-based, whole food diet. Changing the way you eat is a positive and powerful way to live longer, help the environment, and reduce your risk of getting sick.

Whole foods describes natural foods that are minimally processed, unrefined, and free from additives or artificial substances.

Plant-based means food that comes from plants and doesn’t include animal ingredients such as meat, dairy, eggs, or honey.

There is much scientific evidence available showing that many chronic diseases can be prevented, controlled, or even reversed by focusing on a whole-food or plant-based diet. Plant-based diets have been shown to reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes, heart disease, certain types of cancer, and other major illnesses.
Many people also report increased fitness payoffs, more energy, reduced inflammation, and better health outcomes after making the switch.

But I worry about getting enough protein…
A diet completely free of animal products does indeed require more planning to ensure that nutritional needs are met. For some, this is a benefit, as it requires they consider and understand the nutritional profile of the foods they eat. For others, it can prove challenging and lead to nutritional deficits.

A significant concern for people choosing a wholly plant-based diet plan is how to ensure they are getting enough protein. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. And do note… this is the minimum amount you need to stay healthy, not the specific amount you are supposed to eat every day.

So just to clarify for example, a 70kg woman requires a minimum of 56 grams of protein per day. Other studies recommend that, depending on your goals and activity levels, your protein requirements may actually be between 1—1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of bodweight, almost double the minimum RDA. If you require a high protein diet, you may have to get very strategic about planning your plant-based menu.

You will almost certainly need to include protein at every meal in order to reach the RDA for your body type. Take a look at the following list to see where your protein could come from.

Where to source your plant protein

Nut- and seed-based: hemp seeds, hemp protein powder, chia seeds, flax seeds, quinoa, almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts, pistachios
Soy-based: tempeh, tofu, edamame, soy milk, TVP, soy protein isolate powder

Bean- or legume-based: lentils, beans and rice, chickpeas, black beans, bean burgers, eggless eggs

Pea protein-based: Pea protein, pea milk

Grain-based: seitan, whole wheat flour, spelt, teff

Veggie-based: potatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach, broccoli, asparagus, mushrooms

Other: spirulina

There are a plethora of whole food, vegan, and plant-based recipes and meal plans on the web these days so you’ll never run short of ideas!

Hemp as a superfood plant protein
Smoothies, in general, are a simple way to boost protein intake on a plant-based diet, since you can easily add plenty of other high plant-protein ingredients like hemp protein powder, hemp hearts, nut milks and nut butters.

Our vegan-certified Pure Hemp Protein Powdercontains 15 grams of protein for every 30-gram serving and can be blended into plant-based smoothies, or added to muesli, breads, and baking.

Our vegan-certified Kiwi Hemp Hearts are an extremely versatile superfood with 10 grams of protein for every 30-gram serving. We love to sprinkle them on cereal or porridge, over salads, poached eggs, avocado on toast, and into pretty much all baked goods – all quick and easy wins that add extra protein in a simple flourish.

Tips for thriving not just surviving on a plant-based diet

PROTEIN – At every meal! (As per previous list)

Eat lots of vegetables – Fill at least half your plate with colourful vegetables at lunch and dinner. Enjoy vegetables as a snack with hummus, salsa, or guacamole.

Change the way you think about meat – If you still want to include meat in your diet, serve smaller amounts and don’t make meat the star of the show.

Choose good fats – The fats in hemp seed oil, olive oil, olives, nuts and nut butters, seeds, and avocados are particularly healthy choices.

Cook a vegetarian meal at least one night a week – Build these meals around beans, whole grains, and vegetables.

Include whole grains for breakfast – Start with oatmeal, quinoa, buckwheat, or barley then add in nuts, seeds and fresh fruit.

Build a meal around a salad – Fill a bowl with salad greens and add in vegetables, herbs, beans, peas, or tofu.

Eat fruit for dessert – A juicy peach, a slice of watermelon, or a crisp apple will satisfy your craving for a sweet bite after a meal.