How are you currently getting your protein?  Now, I know most people will start to go down a long list of animal based proteins. But what about the people who do not consume animal based products? Are these people not getting the nutrients they need? Turns out, most people are unaware that there are multiple plant based proteins. Some of these plant proteins have even higher levels of concentration of protein than animal products. The more research that is done the more we find the benefits of a plant based diet. Countless studies have shown that a plant-based diet can increase longevity and overall health. Not to mention it is better for the environment too. So, why don’t more people eat a complete plant based diet?

What you Don’t Know might Hurt you

I am going to be completely honest with you guys. Now, I have gone vegan a number of times. The longest period being eight months. What was it that caused me to stray from the plant path? There are a few things that I didn’t know at the time that caused me a lot of pain and suffering during my attempts at being vegan. The biggest hurdle for me was that I really needed to detox. Let’s face it, we all need to be cleansing regularly. There are so many different toxins we are exposed to. It’s more than just our diets, it is all of the toxins we are exposed to in our environments. 

Help Support Your Body!

Not only did I need to cleanse I went cold turkey on all of it! For the record, you should always transition when changing your diet (just like when changing your dog’s food you integrate the new food slowly while pulling out the old diet). This keeps your body from freaking out. The next mistake was not knowing what each craving was telling me. What does that mean? For example, when you find yourself craving red meat this is your body’s way of telling you it needs more iron. Instead of reaching for a steak grab dark leafy greens, this way you can get multiple nutrients along with the iron. What are some of the plant based proteins that you can try?

Powerful Plants

There are several different plant based proteins that I can’t wait to tell you all about. For this post we will focus on the pea. Why the pea? Because the pea is in season and it is important to eat seasonally to ensure we are consuming the highest levels of concentrated nutrients. Now, for those of you who don’t love the pea, prepare yourself for a change of heart. These little green nuggets are ready to help you get the most out of your foods and guess what they are good for more than just protein!

Benefits of Peas

Peas are high in protein which is one of the biggest reasons people want to add them to their diet. They are also high in fiber making them a great way to promote weight loss. Peas can help regulate blood sugar levels and heart health. They are great at improving liver function and reducing risk for kidney disease. Peas are high in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which is great for anti-aging. Their high levels of micronutrients makes them ideal for aiding in pregnancy. Peas not only help improve bone strength they also boost muscle thickness. They help lower cholesterol levels and improve eyesight. Not to mention peas are also great for increasing energy levels and boosting your immune system. Now that you have a few new reasons to love peas here is an amazing recipe to make sure you get them into your diet.

Mint Pea Soup

Vegan Gluten Free Serves 4

• 1 Stalk of Celery
• 2 Garlic Cloves
• 1 Tablespoon Chopped Mint
• ½ teaspoon Pepper
• 4 Cup Vegetable Broth
• ½ Cup Coconut Milk Full Fat
• 1 Medium Onion
• 6 Cup Fresh Peas
• ½ teaspoon Sea Salt
• 1 Tablespoon Vegan Butter
• ½ Cup Water
• 1 Tablespoon Avocado Oil

Directions:

In a large pot add butter, oil, onions, and celery. Saute for 4-6 minutes. Add garlic and mint and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Next add peas, salt, and pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add water and broth cook on high simmer until peas are tender. Puree soup mixture (I use the blender wand it is a game changer if you are using a traditional blender let soup cool prior to blending)! Add milk and stir frequently while reheating soup. Once you reach the desired temperature enjoy. You may need more salt and pepper depending on your taste and the flavor of the peas. I serve mine with a sprig of mint on top. 

Need a Helping Hand?

A happy and healthy life is closer than you may think. Our health is something that we all have to deal with daily, and when we don’t feel our best, it shows. If you are tired of just making it through your day then you NEED to start investing in your health today! You are not alone on this journey. If you ever need any help I am always here to do just that. Even if it is something as small as just acting as a sounding board. Do you have any questions or concerns I can help you with? Feel free to contact me directly at [email protected] or you can even book a one-on-one call with me. Be sure to subscribe to gain access to tons of free goodies and check back daily for more great recipes and information!