I’ve been a vegetarian for about a year and a half now, and at this point in my life, I think I’m going to be sticking with it for a while. (I’ve tried being vegan too, but that one didn’t stick.) I don’t miss meat, but there are certain struggles that come with going meatless. The main struggle is getting enough protein, especially when you’re tracking macros and trying to get 35% of your daily calories from it. If you’re in a similar position – whether you’re trying to cut out meat little by little or you’ve been a vegetarian and are trying to get more protein into your diet, this post is for you!
Quest Protein Powder
I’m picky about my protein powder. If I’m drinking a “protein shake,” I expect a huge proportion of the calories in that drink to come from protein. Right now, my current favorite is Quest. Clocking in with only 0.5 grams of fat and 3 grams of carbs, this stuff is pretty darn pure. It also tastes way better than you’d expect for that kind of nutritional content. I like to have this right after a workout – I mix it with half water, half almond milk.
Kodiak Cakes Power Cakes
Bet you weren’t expecting pancakes to make it onto a list of protein sources, were you? Somehow, these pancakes have 14 grams in one serving – they’re my new breakfast food of choice. Next up, I’m trying their chocolate pancake mix, because yum.
Trader Joe’s Icelandic-Style Yogurt
Y’all, 22 grams of protein in an 8-ounce cup of yogurt is insane. I’m not a huge fan of plain yogurt, so I usually a packet of stevia and a sprinkle of cinnamon to my yogurt. It’s just sweet enough to satisfy my sweet tooth at the end of a long day or as an afternoon snack.
Egg Whites
If you’re looking for a protein source without any calories from fat or carbs, you’ve hit the target. Egg whites aren’t exactly the most flavorful option, but a little garlic salt does the trick in spicing them up. But seriously, 26 grams in a cup is too good to pass up, especially when you’re trying to get your macros to add up just right.
Trader Joe’s Hi-Protein Veggie Burger
If it’s not already clearly evident, I really love Trader Joe’s food. These veggie burgers have been my new favorite discovery. While I love those veggie burgers out there that mimic the taste of real meat, sometimes you actually want a veggie burger that tastes like, well, vegetables. This one does just that.
Oh Yeah! One Protein Bars
Much like powders, I feel like I change my favorite bar once every few weeks. Right now, I’m on a kick with these bars. In particular, the Birthday Cake and the Blueberry Cobbler ones are my favorites. I’m actually not big on chocolate-y protein bars most of the time, so these are wonderful.
Have you tried any of these (and if so, what’d ya think)? Or do you have any other good protein-packed recommendations? Let me know in the comments!
xo, Taylor
If I’m on the go, I’ll snack on a Lara bar. Their cookie dough flavor is amazing. I love Bambas. They’re peanut butter cheese puffs that taste amazing.
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I don’t really like chocolate protein bars either!! I’ve never tried that brand though. I’ve always been interested in Quest’s protein powder but never bought it. Sounds like you really like it though!
I’m obsessed with kodiak cakes! I’ve never tried those trader joe’s burgers, but I’ll be moving closer to one and can’t wait to 🙂