When your alarm goes off in the morning, do you jump out of bed ready for the day? Perhaps to squeeze in a workout, hydrate up, and enjoy a delicious breakfast?
For those who follow a vegan diet and lifestyle but also want high protein, breakfast time can be a little puzzling, and let’s face it … boring! While there are many vegan breakfast recipe options available, it’s not a one-size-fits-all. Those who follow a vegan diet but want high protein options may struggle with finding good breakfast options. But with just a few basic ingredients, a vegan breakfast doesn’t have to be difficult!
In this blog post, we’re sharing several high-protein vegan breakfast ideas to make the most important meal of the day easier than ever for vegans to navigate.
VEGAN DIET EXPLAINED
If you’re reading this and aren’t sure what the vegan diet is, don’t worry! We get that it can be tricky to know what counts as vegan or non-vegan. Fun fact: about 3 percent of Americans follow a vegan diet.
WHAT IS A VEGAN DIET?
On a vegan diet, you can eat plant-based ingredients, such as fruits and vegetables, legumes, most grains, dairy alternatives, and vegetable oils. Vegans do not eat foods derived from animals, like red meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, cheese, milk, or honey. Many vegans also do not purchase items that come from animals, like leather goods or beauty products.
HIGH PROTEIN VEGAN DIET
A common concern for those new to the vegan diet is, “how will I get enough protein?” This is a totally valid question! After all, if you’re participating in exercise that requires a high amount of energy, you want to make sure you’re fueling your body accordingly.
Following a high-protein vegan diet is easy when you stock up on plant-based protein powder like tofu, lentils, beans, and quinoa! These versatile options can be mixed with favorite vegetables and plant-based sauces. For instance, coconut milk is a common vegan alternative to animal milk and is used to make sauces, soups, and desserts creamy!
SIX HEALTH BENEFITS THAT MAKE YOU LOVE THE VEGAN DIET
Those who follow a vegan diet often do it for different reasons, like animal rights, sustainability, or to meet personal wellness goals. Many people follow a vegan diet to boost their health, and with good reason!
There are numerous health benefits associated with the vegan diet, including better heart health, lower cancer risk, weight loss, and lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Many people also report higher energy levels when following a plant-based vegan lifestyle!
ETHICAL REASONS TO GO VEGAN
While there are many health benefits associated with going vegan, there are also ethical reasons that can come into play, too! Many vegans avoid eating meat out of compassion for animals. In addition, the production of meat and dairy products can cause strain on the environment–like through crops and water required to feed animals.
6 IDEAS FOR A HIGH-PROTEIN VEGAN BREAKFAST
While going vegan can sound good on paper, in practice it can feel a little intimidating! After all, what if you accidentally break the rules and eat or purchase an animal-derived product? Don’t be too hard on yourself! Veganism is a learning process and no one can possibly know everything right off the bat.
Here at Proper Good, we believe in making delicious meals to accommodate a variety of dietary preferences and lifestyles! We’ve got you covered when it comes to high-protein vegan breakfast ideas other than avocado toast.
INCORPORATING OATMEAL IN YOUR VEGAN DIET AS A PROTEIN SOURCE
Oatmeal is extremely high in fiber, which helps keep you full all day long. But did you know that oatmeal is also an excellent source of protein? Proper Good oatmeals have 6 grams of protein in every pouch … not to mention 5 grams of fiber! Make oatmeal a double whammy of goodness to include in your daily healthy breakfast routine.
Here are a few of our favorite breakfast recipes … with a couple of fun extras:
CARAMEL DATE AND PECAN OATMEAL
Like autumn in a bowl … made healthy! This caramel and pecan oatmeal flavor feels decadent but is healthy and wholesome. Yummy dates and crunchy pecans all mix into brown sugar, cinnamon, and orange peel oatmeal base, making this blend one you’ll come back to again, and again, and again!
Pecans are a solid source of calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which help lower blood pressure. Most of the fat found in pecans is a healthy type called monounsaturated fat.
CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER AND BANANA OATMEAL
Dutch cocoa, peanut or almond butter, crunchy banana pieces, and maple syrup powder make up a fancy bowl that smells and tastes like a peanut butter cup. But with all the benefits of a high fiber meal and 8 grams of protein! Bananas contain fiber and antioxidants and are also known to aid in digestive health. Bananas are also rich in potassium, which can help lower blood pressure.
If you feel like adding an extra serving of fruit, fresh strawberries or blueberries would also work well on top!
APPLE CINNAMON AND WALNUT OATMEAL
It’s a common misconception that plant-based meals can’t be high in protein, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! Our apple, cinnamon, and walnut oatmeal blend is tasty and rich in protein and heart-healthy fibers. Eating walnuts is a great way to boost your intake of protein per serving and omega-3 fatty acids. Walnuts contain 4.5 grams of protein per ¼ cup (which equals 29 grams).
One customer review said, “I add some bananas, honey, and milk,” which we approve of and think sounds delicious! :)
SPICED PUMPKIN PIE AND MAPLE OATMEAL
Pumpkin seeds are another high-protein nut and the guest star in our spiced pumpkin pie and maple oatmeal blend! At 8 grams of protein per pouch, this oatmeal is an excellent source of plant-based, gluten-free, and dairy-free protein! If you’re running out the door, throw this breakfast in your backpack for a meal enjoyed on the go, either hot OR cold! Try chia seeds as an alternative to pumpkin seeds if needed.
BLUEBERRIES AND COCONUT OATMEAL
This high-protein vegan breakfast cuisine is one best enjoyed at any time of the year … but especially in the summertime! Hints of coconut and blueberry give off a sunny flavor. And, thick al dente style oatmeal, which uses just 5 simple ingredients, will keep you full until lunchtime.
If you’re traveling and need a filling, slightly sweet meal, we’ve got you covered! With no need to refrigerate, this blend is perfect for a morning road trip. Enjoy alongside a healthy protein bar or piece of fruit for a well-rounded breakfast.
MINT-CHOCOLATE CHIPS AND HONEY OATMEAL
Just a liiiiitle bit of sweetness with hints of refreshing mint is all it takes for instant satisfaction at the breakfast table! This low sodium, high protein vegan breakfast is decadent while being wholesome. Indulge in cocoa and sweet maple sugar alongside coconut and peppermint … no need to overthink about breakfast anymore! Eliminate breakfast boredom with chocolatey mint goodness and flavor.
Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are a mix of raw oats that are soaked overnight in water, milk, or vegan yogurt. Then in the morning, they’re served with sweet or savory toppings! Learn more about this high-protein breakfast option here.
High protein vegan breakfasts couldn’t possibly be easier! We hope this blog post provides you with resources and information to tackle breakfast time as a vegan with utmost confidence. And if you’re looking for even MORE meal ideas, we’ve got you covered:
