If you’re like most people, you probably don't get enough protein on a regular basis. In fact, most Americans tend to fall short of the recommended daily intake for protein. But it's important to note that not all sources of protein are equal in their benefits. Stocking up on high-protein plant foods can help you feel energized and keep cravings in check by keeping your blood sugar stable. These foods are also loaded with vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium. Here are three great reasons why plant-based proteins are essential to feeling energetic:

They’re a great source of nutrients and fibre

If you’re trying to eat a more plant-based diet, you probably already know the benefits of including more fruits, veggies, and whole grains in your diet. They’re a great source of nutrients and fibre, and can help lower your risk for certain diseases and health conditions such as heart disease and Type 2 Diabetes. One of the best things about plant-based proteins is that you can find them in almost every type of food, be it vegetables like mushrooms, legumes like chickpeas, or whole grains like quinoa. This makes it easy to get the amount of protein you need each day without having to go out of your way to shop for specialty items. Additionally, many plant-based proteins contain important nutrients that can help boost your energy levels. For example, beans and legumes are rich sources of magnesium, which is important for regulating your sleep cycle and boosting your energy levels. You can also get magnesium from avocados, dark chocolate, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. On the other hand, eating foods rich in iron can help prevent fatigue by improving the rate at which your body produces red blood cells.

They help keep you feeling full longer

If you’ve ever tried switching to a purely plant-based diet, you’ve probably noticed that it’s easy to feel hungry even when you’ve eaten enough calories. This happens because certain types of foods are harder to digest and break down than others. Once your body is done processing these types of food, it releases a hormone called ghrelin, which is often referred to as the hunger hormone. This hormone tells your brain that it needs more food to keep your energy levels high. When you eat foods rich in fibre and protein, however, they’re digested at a slower rate, which helps keep your hunger pangs at bay and can help keep you energized throughout the day. Beans and legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and soy products are examples of nutrient-rich plant-based proteins that are easy to digest and contain nutrients that can also help you stay full longer.

They have zero cholesterol

As mentioned above, many plant-based proteins are rich in nutrients like magnesium, iron, and fibre that can help boost your energy levels. But there’s another big reason to eat more plant-based proteins: they have zero cholesterol. Protein is an essential macronutrient that helps your body repair itself and build muscle. Animal proteins, such as meat, eggs, and dairy, contain cholesterol, while most plant-based proteins are cholesterol-free. But what does this have to do with energy? To put it simply, too much bad cholesterol can be toxic to the body and can clog up your arteries, and diets high in cholesterol have been linked to heart disease. When you eat more plant-based proteins and less cholesterol-rich foods, you help boost your energy levels and lower the risk of heart disease.

Bottom line: Consuming more plant-based proteins is key to boosting your energy levels

If you’re not getting enough protein in your diet — a common problem for many people — then your energy levels will suffer. If you're eating a balanced diet, you should be getting about 10–35% of your daily calories from protein. And while there are many benefits to eating more protein, boosting your energy levels is a big one. Boosting your protein intake can help you stay full longer, and since most plant-based proteins are low in cholesterol, they’re a great way to reduce your risk of heart disease and boost your energy levels. For best results, consider pairing your high-protein meals with healthy fats like avocado, coconut oil, and seeds, as well as fibre-rich foods like fruits and veggies. You can also try drinking water infused with fruits and vegetables, which is a great way to increase your daily intake of vitamins and minerals while boosting your energy levels.