A  guide  for  Vegetarians 
 

Be it your gym enthusiast friend or your mother who always wants you to have a nutritious meal; the importance of protein is something that would have been emphasised by them multiple times.
 

Well, they are not wrong.
 

Protein is an essential building block of our body, needed for cell repair and regeneration. It also plays a vital role in muscle development, body growth, enzyme production aiding in digestion, among others.
 

However, the statement, ‘Sufficient protein can only be derived from consumption of animal sources’ is one that worries those who follow a vegetarian diet. But thankfully, it is only a myth!
 

Here are some vegetarian sources of protein rich foods, one can include in their diet,
 

1. The good old Dal

   Dal is something that is part of a staple diet in most of the Indian households, and for a good reason! Be it Arhar, Moong, Masoor, Split Chana, Urad, there is a huge variety to choose from.
    

   The fun part is, that you can also consume these in a variety of forms and not just Dal or Indian curry style. Sprout to consume them in the most natural form, soak and grind them to make chillas or dosa, boil, mash to stuff in parathas.
    

2. Adding some joy with Soy

   Be it in chunks form, nuggets or beans; Soybean can be incorporated in a high protein diet. You can make tikkis, soya chaap or add it in curries for a flavourful dose of health in your life. Tofu from Soy milk is also a good option to try out for vegetarians.
    

3. Hmm for Hummus

   Chickpeas are excellent examples of vegetarian sources of protein rich foods. You can enjoy them in curry version, in Mediterranean style salads and in the form of Hummus as sandwich spreads or as healthy dips etc.
    

4. Nuts for Peanuts

   Peanuts is one of the favourites among gym and fitness buff. Peanuts can be consumed in the form of Peanut butter or roasted for some healthy munching.
    

5. Say Cottage Cheese!

   Cottage cheese or Paneer, is a good vegetarian source of protein also rich in calcium. It aids in muscle building and supports good bone health.
    

6. Seeds

   Hemp, Chia, Pumpkin, Flax or Sunflower, these seeds not only jazz up any dish but are also an easy way to incorporate protein in a vegetarian diet. Consume by making chia seed pudding, add in shakes or your morning oats.
    

7. No kidding with Kidney Beans

   Rajma or kidney beans consumed in curry form or in salads is a good way to get your dose of vegetarian source of protein right.
    

8. Few Almonds a day to keep Protein deficiency at bay

   Almonds can be added in milkshakes or consumed post soaking to strengthen eyesight, immune system and bones.
    

Remain healthy, wealthy and wise by adding these easily available vegetarian sources of protein rich foods in your diet to meet the daily nutritional requirements.