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What do vegetarian athletes eat for protein?

Author

Robert Miller

Published Feb 16, 2026

What do vegetarian athletes eat for protein?

Here are some of the best protein sources for vegetarian athletes:

  • Tofu- 20 grams per 1 cup.
  • Legumes- 7 grams per ½ cup.
  • Tempeh- 15 grams per ½ cup.
  • Quinoa- 4 grams per ½ cup.
  • Nut butters- 8 grams per 2 tbsp.
  • Nuts- 7 grams per ¼ cup.
  • Hemp seeds- 7 grams per 2 tbsp.
  • Plant-based protein powder- varies.

Should I drink protein shakes if Im vegetarian?

Do you need to drink vegan protein powder shakes now that you’re not eating meat. No, you do not! Yes, protein is important — but you’re most likely getting “enough” protein on a plant-based diet, without supplementing. And protein powders (even the “plant-based” ones) are best avoided altogether.

Do vegetarian athletes need more protein?

Some guidelines suggest that people on a vegan diet consume more protein, because plant proteins have a slightly lower digestibility than animal proteins; however this difference in digestibility is small, and for athletes, a maximum protein intake of about 1.8 grams per kg of body weight is still recommended, whether …

Is it unhealthy for athletes to be vegetarian?

Vegetarian diets are characterized by increased intake of carbohydrates and plant-based antioxidants, this is believed to have favorable effects on exercise capacity in athletes. However, vegans have lower iron levels as evident from the low hemoglobin levels and the occurrence of iron deficiency anemia.

Can vegetarians gain muscle?

Bottom Line. A vegetarian or vegan diet needs more planning but it is perfectly possible to obtain enough protein to build muscle and optimise performance without eating meat. The key is to eat a variety of plant proteins, including beans, lentils, soya products, nuts, seeds, whole grains.

Which protein powder is best for vegetarian?

Healthline’s picks of the best vegan protein powders

  • Orgain Simple Organic Plant Protein Powder.
  • Naked Pea Premium Pea Protein Powder.
  • NOW Sports Pea Protein Powder.
  • Vega Sport Premium Protein.
  • Ora Organic Vegan Protein Powder.
  • ALOHA Organic Protein Powder.
  • Anthony’s Premium Pea Protein.
  • Iron Vegan Athlete’s Gainer.

Can vegetarians have protein powder?

Common vegan protein powders are pea, hemp, brown rice and soy. Seed protein powders, including pumpkin, sunflower, chia and sacha inchi, are becoming more available. Except for soy and quinoa, plant proteins are typically low in one or more essential amino acids.

Is Tom Brady vegetarian?

Although he puts a lot of greens on his plate, Tom has adopted more of a flexible diet. “When people ask if I’m a vegan or a vegetarian,” Tom says, “I tell them no, decidedly not.” In fact, Tom’s meals consist of roughly 80 percent plant-based foods and 20 percent animal-based foods.

Why is veganism bad for athletes?

Firstly, veganism makes it more difficult for athletes to incorporate key nutrients, such as protein, into their diets. Protein is important for muscle repair in endurance athletes, while it is also needed to build muscles.

Is Arnold Schwarzenegger vegan?

1. Arnold Schwarzenegger is 99% vegan. And is the star of my 100% favourite Christmas film, Jingle All The Way. The 72-year-old action legend has been living on a meat and dairy-free diet for the past three years, only making very few exceptions regarding his food intake and usually when filming.

How do vegetarians bulk?

Eat Protein Throughout the Day

  1. Eat five or six small meals per day that not only include a protein food, but also a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and plenty of water.
  2. More than half your calories each day should come from quality carbohydrates, which fuel your muscles.

How can I Meet my protein needs as a vegan athlete?

Meeting your protein needs as a vegan athlete isn’t rocket science, but it may take a little effort or at least forethought. Eat a variety of foods throughout the day. Include high-lysine foods when possible. Know roughly how many grams you need and plan accordingly.

What is the best protein for athletes?

Protein deficiency is rare in the average American population. Vegetarian and vegan athletes can consume adequate protein intake through consumption of a variety of foods such as beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and soy products.

What is the best vegan protein powder to buy?

Here are our picks for the best vegan protein powders you can buy. Best All Around: Vega Sport Protein Powder, Chocolate. Made from a mix of peas, pumpkin, organic sunflower seeds, and alfalfa, one 22-gram scoop of this protein powder contains 15 grams of protein and only 80 calories.

How many calories are in a scoop of Vega Sport protein?

Vega Sport. Made from a mix of peas, pumpkin, organic sunflower seeds, and alfalfa, one 22-gram scoop of this protein powder contains 15 grams of protein and only 80 calories. Plus, it also contains a whopping 2.9 grams of leucine—more than you’d find in many whey protein powders.