The Ultimate Guide to Complete Protein Combinations for Vegans

Protein isn’t the be-all and end-all nutrient it’s made out to be.

Yes, protein has many health benefits. Like supporting healthy growth and development, immune function, building muscle, and weight management, to name a few. But ask your typical athlete, bodybuilder, or dietitian who lives and dies by their protein intake, and they’ll tell you that you NEED at least 150 to 200 grams of animal-based protein daily to “make gains.” While protein intake is undeniably important for building muscle mass, a better option for your long-term health is to get your protein from plant-based sources (and not overconsume it). You just need to know the best plant protein sources and how to combine them to form complete proteins.

Regardless of your health and fitness goals, learning this skill will help you get all the protein you need while adding healthy years to your life (and reducing your carbon footprint).

Let’s talk amino acids.

Flashback to high school biology class:

Amino acids are the “building blocks” of protein. When you eat food containing protein, hydrochloric acid and enzymes in your stomach break down the protein into amino acids for digestion. Amino acids then move on to your small intestine, where they’re further…