The Power of Plant-Based Protein

It’s not a new concept that we should be eating lots of fruit and veg, wholegrains, nuts and seeds – always aiming to hit that ‘2 & 5’ target and get as many different plant foods into our diets as we reasonably can. But in recent times the push to consume a diet that is majority plant-based is stronger than ever.

Currently, over 2.5 million Australians identify as following a plant-based diet (1), and its expected that this number is likely under-reported with more and more of us leaning into more plant-based meals and foods each day. So what’s all the fuss, and why should we be aiming to increase our intake of all the good stuff that comes from the ground?

There are many different reasons you may choose to follow a plant-based diet, or to include more plant-based foods in your day to day. From ethical through to health or environmental concerns, we can’t deny that there are many benefits to eating more plant-based foods, for both ourselves and our planet.

Generally speaking, a diet rich in a variety of plant-based foods will provide great sources of carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins and minerals, with a lower intake of saturated fats and added sugars. They also have a positive impact on our gut health and microbiota. So from this standpoint alone, eating more plant-based foods is a great way to increase dietary health and wellbeing.

But can a plant-based diet provide a reasonable source of protein? Absolutely. A great plant-based diet should include a range of wholegrains, legumes, nuts and seeds, all of which provide varying sources of protein. So across the day, it’s really not that challenging to meet your protein needs, as long as you’re clever about it! Sometimes the biggest challenge comes from having to think outside the box and getting creative with ways to include lots of protein-rich plant-based foods across the day.

Here at Carman’s, we’re here to help, with a great, plant-based way to start the day; our new Protein Rich Almond Vanilla & Cinnamon Porridge. Providing 10g of plant protein per sachet, we’re sure the newest member of our porridge family will help keep you feeling full across the morning. We’ve used a wheat protein, which along with the Aussie oats, triticale, buckwheat and almonds packed into each sachet, provides a good source of protein to start your day. This can be boosted with the addition of some peanut butter (yum!) and your fave seeds and nuts sprinkled on top to create a delicious, warming bowl of plant-based goodness, which will set you well on your way to meet your daily protein needs (2).

So whether it’s a big bowl of porridge or a nutty, wholegrain muesli (we suggest you try our new Low Sugar Toasted Almond & Cashew Muesli) to start your day, a protein bar for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or a sprinkling of our yummy Chilli Corn Crunch Super Seeds over your favourite salad or soup, here at Carman’s, we’ve got loads of goodness to add to your plant-based diet!

Discover the full range of plant-based snacking from Carman’s by searching our vegan section…

Cited Articles:

https://www.sportsdietitians.com.au/factsheets/fuelling-recovery/plant-based-diets
/https://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/protein