01/27/25

#195 Eating Protein for Energy

Three High-Protein Plant Foods to Increase Energy

This month we have been talking about energy. 

One of my 7 pillars for great energy is of course nutrition.

 Protein plays an important role in keeping your blood sugars stable. This helps us avoid the ups and downs and energy crashes that we often experience during the day. This is really important during peri-menopause and menopause when our blood sugar levels can get a little awry. It also helps with weight management, metabolism, and maintaining muscle mass as we age.

Three of my favorite plant-based proteins are lentils, edamame beans, which are young soybeans, and tofu. Plant-based proteins help to increase our fibre intake and reduce inflammation. The phyto oestrogens in Soy are helpful with menopause symptoms and calcium absorption for strong bones.

Lentils are 18 grams of protein per cooked cup.

Lentils are so easy to add to meat dishes to make them healthier, increasing the fiber and lowering the calories by diluting the saturated fat. I make a brilliant lentil bolognese which I use with edamame noodles, black bean spaghetti, or cauliflower rice. Lentils also make great 'non-meatloaf' and burgers.

Edamame beans are 17 grams of protein per cooked cup.

Edamame beans are a great addition to any salad or stir fry. I love them as a snack, steamed with a squeeze of lemon juice and a little sea salt. I also pop them into my Hummus to increase the protein content.

Tofu is 20 grams of protein per cooked cup.

Many people struggle with tofu because they don't know how to cook it and it ends up rubbery. Scrambled tofu on toast can be a great place to start.

If you would like a sample of some of my favourite high-protein recipes email me [email protected] and I'll get them to you.

Next week we are talking about the importance of breakfast for healthy ageing, menopause and fat loss.