Many people fear a plant-based diet because of one proverbial question: Am I getting enough protein? Protein is an important major nutrient in the body and how much protein you need depends on your gender, age and activity level. Amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein, differ between animal products and plant-based products.
Although animal protein is a “complete” protein, while most plant-based proteins are missing one of the essential amino acids, sources of plant-based proteins have the potential to become complete by simply pairing it with another food that has the missing amino acids. As a rule of thumb, protein quality from healthy sources is more important than protein quantity. Supporting an active lifestyle requires a well-balanced diet inclusive of protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy vitamins and minerals. All these nutrients can be found in a plant-based diet.
Rasheeta Joy Fields, a Navy Veteran, personal trainer, sports nutritionist, chef, and motivational speaker, is one of many who has made the transition to plant-based.
Living plant-based was a pull at my heart strings for many years before I decided to make the change. I went plant-based because chronic illnesses are related to food and diet, and these illnesses were destroying my family's health. My mother passed away from colon cancer in October 2012, but she taught me about the plant-based diet and how this could change our family history. Once I went plant-based, I knew I made the right decision and started sharing my new understanding!
Splendid Spoon supports my active lifestyle everyday, starting with the Wellness Shot. These shots are an easy way to boost the immune system with Vitamin C to support immunity, ginger to fight inflammation and oregano to fight viruses. I love these shots because they are already prepared, so there’s no chopping or juicing required.
It’s time for breakfast. Smoothie bowls are my absolute favorite breakfast and they are a great pre-workout meal. I top mine with fruits, added proteins and fats to support my workouts.
The Dragon Fruit Berry Smoothie is a great base – dragon fruit supports gut health which is excellent for digestion in the morning. Blend the smoothie with pea protein and nut milk for an added protein punch, and top with rawnola and fruit. Rawnola is a grain-free alternative to granola for anyone keeping their carbohydrate intake low. This smoothie bowl will give you energy that lasts through any workout.
Dragon Fruit Berry Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients
- Splendid Spoon Dragon Fruit Berry Smoothie
- ¼ cup nut milk of choice
- ½ cup ice
- 1 scoop of plant based protein of choice
Directions
- Blend in a blender and serve in a bowl. Top with fruits and rawnola.
Easy Rawnola
Ingredients
- 1 handful of your favorite nuts (Mine are almonds because they’re high in protein!)
- 2 Medjool Dates
Directions
- Blend in a food processor or chop finely with a knife
- Sprinkle on top of smoothie bowl. Enjoy!
Post-workout recovery and replenishing your muscles with protein and amino acids is extremely important to building strong muscles and refilling glycogen stores. With “no time to waste” after a workout, I typically opt for Splendid Spoon's Tangy Ginger Noodles, and boy are they delicious! Just heat, plate, and eat. This dish on its own has 8 grams of protein (which is plenty), but if you want a little extra protein to help with muscle repair, try the below meal hack recipe.
Splendid Spoon Tangy Ginger Noodles with Beyond Meat Crumbles
Ingredients
- Splendid Spoon Tangy Ginger Noodles
- 1/4 cup Beyond Beef crumbles
- 1/4 of a medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup diced onions, raw or sautéed
- 1/4 cup red cabbage, sautéed
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- Fresh herbs of your choice to garnish
Directions
- Heat Splendid Spoons Tangy Noodles in a medium saucepan for 5-10 mins
- Top with chopped tomatoes, cabbage, garlic, onions and fresh herbs
- Add ¼ cup of Beyond Meat Beef crumbles for extra protein
- Stir and enjoy!
You may ask, how do I feel as a plant-based athlete? I feel like a plant-based superwoman! Saving lives and looking good. This lifestyle makes me feel physically strong, healthy, and energetic. My integrity is intact, because I know I am doing the right thing for my body, my family, and Mother Earth.
Plant-based eating can 100% support your fitness goals, and with so many choices at Splendid Spoon, boredom is never an option. There’s freedom to make the dish your own and the simplicity to heat and eat. Try my smoothie bowl recipe after your next workout - you won’t look back!
Head to the Reebok site for more Splendid tips for going plant-based.
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