If you're vegan (or even vegetarian), chances are you've experienced one of the following:
1) People don't care about your protein intake until they find out you're vegan. Something I find super strange (and sort of creepy) because, I don't know about you, but I don't typically go around asking people how much protein they consume.
2) Your doctor will shake his head, make a face that clearly expresses his disgust and tell you to go eat a steak. True story
3) You'll hear things like... "You don't eat meat so, where do you get your protein from?". Hm... Let me think... beans, grains, seeds, nuts, sprouts... Sounds like plenty of sources to me!
4) Followed by... "From plants? You can't possibly get enough then!". Actually, I do. If I didn't get what my body needs, I'd be in serious trouble. I appreciate the concern though.
5) "You probably eat nothing but salads all day, right?" Uh, no. Are you aware of how many different types of beans and grains are available to us? Pasta? Quinoa? Lots of different dishes you can come up with all that aren't salad. A little imagination and an open mind. That's all you need.
6) And... (one of my personal favorites) "You must love kale". Actually... I don't. I don't like Brussels sprouts either. I'm not even a big fan of broccoli for that matter. Just because it's green, doesn't mean I have to like it.
As a nutritionist, recipe developer and fitness professional, my first instinct when I find myself in any of those situations is to reply with a head shake and an eye roll... But then I remember they're the perfect opportunity to actually "educate" people.
No one can deny the importance protein has in our every day diet: it's pretty much the building block of most body tissues, it's crucial for maintenance and repair of muscle (hence, crucial for active people and athletes) and has an important role in the production of hormones and enzymes. The amount of protein our bodies need varies depending on different factors, but one thing is certain: we all need it. Where that protein should come from however, seems to be biggest misconception.
The concept of a plant based diet has been around for a long time, and despite the fact that it's slowly gaining popularity these days, a lot of people seem to be stuck on the idea of animal sources being the only way to get good quality protein.
Luckily for us non-meat eaters, we have Mother Nature on our side, providing us with plenty of options to choose from.
Of all the plant based protein sources available to us, soy is probably one of the most well known and versatile. And of all the countless ways soy can be incorporated into our everyday diet, one of our favorites is soymilk, which is the main ingredient of the recipe we're sharing today.
This protein shake gives you all the energy and nutrients you need after an intense workout: natural sugar from dates and protein and healthy fats from soymilk, tahini and chia seeds. All crucial to replenish energy and repair and build muscle. Filling and satisfying, it will keep you going for the rest of the day and help you prevent "hanger"!
We chose Silk Unsweetened Soymilk mainly because it's a great source of plant-powered protein (8 grams per cup, just the same as a cup of dairy milk!) and it's low in saturated fat and naturally cholesterol free. It's also non-GMO, gluten, lactose and casein free and has no high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. And best of all, it's super creamy and delicious!
Never tried Silk before? Click here for your money saving coupon! To learn more about the benefits of soy and more Silk products, visit them at www.silk.com
Enjoy!
Vegan Date & Tahini Post-Workout Protein Shake
- Total Time: 3 mins
- Yield: 1 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup Silk Unsweetened Organic Soymilk
- 4 Medjool pitted dates
- 2 tbsp tahini (sesame paste)
- 1 tsp organic Chia seeds
- Ice to taste
Instructions
- Blend all the ingredients together in a high power blender.
- Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 3 mins
- Category: drinks
This conversation is sponsored by Silk. The opinions and text are all ours.
cindele
I love how much I learn from you about protein and being a vegetarian! And your photo is so inviting...I am running out to buy the Mason Mugs...already have the Silk in the frig, so can't wait to make this for breakfast! Thanks Vicky and Ruth
Vicky & Ruth
Thank you so much. Soymilk is such a great source of protein and Silk has a great selection of Soymilks. Enjoy!
marcie
This is such a creative shake -- I love the unique flavors! The date and tahini sound like a delicious combination!
Vicky & Ruth
Thank you Marcie! Our Middle Eastern roots gave us the inspiration... It really does taste like Halvah! 🙂
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen
I love smoothies and protein shakes, and I think there are never to many to add to my recipe box. It looks amazing!
Vicky & Ruth
Thank you Kristy!! You're right, the more smoothie ideas the better!!!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef
I have a really close friend who's a veggo and she gets the same thing only worse. She was bullied once at a local networking meeting I attended. It was nasty. I walked over and said, "Does it really affect your life that she doesn't eat meat? If it doesn't, you need to shut up and let her choices be HER CHOICES."
She thought I should have butted out but I couldn't sit still. Your protein shake sounds delicious!
Vicky & Ruth
That's EXACTLY RIGHT! Why do people get so bent out of shape about something that has zero impact in their lives is beyond my comprehension. Oh well....
Glad you liked our recipe!! 🙂
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella
Hehe when I was vegetarian for a year I had people offer me chicken because they thought that it wasn't meat! People really do say the funniest things 😛
Vicky & Ruth
Haha they sure do! I just keep reminding myself that it's an opportunity to educate them 😉
Kelly
What a great protein shake! I've never tried adding dates to my smoothies before but have always wanted to try. This one looks fantastic!
Vicky & Ruth
Thank you Kelly! Dates add sweetness of course, but also great texture. You should try it!
Kristina
as Eye Roll inducing as the protein question might be, I get it! I knew plants had protein from... way back to... what, sixth grade? seventh grade? in Plant Science class. but many think "meat" first as a protein source, when I tell them "I get my protein from the same place YOUR protein gets protein!"
HA.
I love Love LOVE tahini - this shake looks fab!
Vicky & Ruth
And we love, love, LOVE that answer!! We may have to start using it from now on 😉
You can really taste the tahini in the shake. So yummy!!
Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom
Love, love, love this recipe. I can never have enough dates in my life (of the fruit variety that is!!)
Vicky & Ruth
Hahaha we agree with you 100%. Great way to add sweetness without adding extra sugar!
Katalina @ Peas and Peonies
Perfect and tasty post workout shake, love the flavor combination.
Vicky & Ruth
Thanks!! We love Halva (the Middle Eastern candy made with tahini and honey) so we thought it would be fun to have the same flavor profile in a shake 😉
Marj @ Fit Biscuits
That looks so nutritious! I'm going to try that next week. BTW, did the doctor really say that about being vegan? Wow, I would have thought they'd be more open.
Vicky & Ruth
Haha he did, but his opinion changed once my blood work came back... "Best I've ever seen in this practice" 😉
Hope you enjoy the shake!