Do vegetarians get enough protein?

The short answer: yes! In fact, the average vegetarian eats 70% more protein than the recommended amount (0.8 grams/kilogram of body weight).

We are a culture obsessed with getting enough protein. It’s really quite ridiculous considering a meager 3% of Americans (primarily those who are malnourished) are actually protein deficient. On top of our protein obsession, we’ve been led to believe that animal foods are the only sources of protein. This is absolutely not true!

5 Plant-based Foods With More Protein Than an Egg

*protein per 100 calories (1 egg = 6.3 grams protein)

Spinach (12.4 grams)
Asparagus (11 grams)
Edamame (8.8 grams)
Broccoli (8.3 grams)
Peas (6.6 grams)

The bottom line: Stop worrying about protein. If you are eating enough calories, you are eating enough protein.

Still worrying about protein?

Scroll down about halfway in this blog post written by ultra-runner Rich Roll to see a list 9 plant-based athletes doing incredible things with their incredibly strong and fit bodies, including a UFC fighter and an NFL football player.