Veggie Planet Reveals Eight Great Protein Sources For Vegans and Vegetarians

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If you’re contemplating going vegan or vegetarian in Mississauga, Brampton, and GTA but worried about possible protein deficiencies in your diet, relax – Veggie Planet got you covered. While proteins are essential for building muscle strength, it’s also true that meat foods do score over plant foods in terms of protein content. Fortunately, there’s ample evidence to show that our nutritional requirements can be met by consuming certain protein-rich foods that are purely vegetarian or vegan. But for that to happen, we need to move beyond the conventional veggie pizza or veggie burger. Just as with most other things, we have certain plant-based foods that have a relatively higher protein content. By consuming these vegan and vegetarian foods, we can compensate our body for the potential protein deficiencies that may arise from shunning a non-vegetarian diet.

When you walk into the Veggie Planet Indian street food restaurant in Mississauga you will see the superstars of plant-based foods that are rich in protein with excellent taste!

Green Peas:

Who doesn’t love green peas?  A staple side dish on most dining tables, those little, round, pellet-like vegetables are a great combination of style and nutrition. A cup (approximately 240 ml) of cooked green peas serves up as much as 9 grams of protein, which measures up to the nutrition acquired from drinking a cup of cow milk. What’s more, green peas also provide our body with generous quantities of essential minerals such as iron, zinc, copper, phosphorus, and magnesium.  Green peas are also strong on B vitamin content. Make a quick detour to your neighborhood Veggieplanet for a delightful taste festival with green peas coupled with Kaawa nuggets and Kaawa drumstick to see your protein intake zoom!

Soy Milk:

For vegans especially, cow milk is an absolute no-no. But avoiding animal-milk also means depriving ourselves of a vital protein source. Fortunately for us, there’s a solution in the form of soy milk. Derived from soybeans, soy milk is a superb alternative for those of us who want the goodness and taste of milk in our daily diets. A cup of soy milk contains 7 grams of protein and liberal doses of calcium apart from vitamins D and B12. Abundantly available on supermarket shelves, soy milk can either be drunk on its own or used as an ingredient in a variety of Indian drinks and dishes.

Lentils

Lentils are a staple in Indian cuisine and you can literally smell their delicious aroma when you enter an Indian street food restaurant. Lentils are versatile in that they can be added to many a dish, right from soups to salads. A powerhouse of proteins, each cup (approximately 240 ml) of cooked lentils delivers almost 18 grams of protein. They are also high in fiber content and can provide nearly half our daily recommended intake of fiber. Lentils are also rich in folic acid, iron and manganese, anti-oxidants. Lentils also promote the good bacteria in the colon and thus contribute to better digestion and a healthier gut.

Beans and chickpeas

Beans, of all kinds, are high on protein content. So, whether it’s kidney beans, pinto beans or black beans, you can be sure that your protein requirements are taken care of when you’re consuming beans in ample quantities. Similarly, chickpeas are yet another legume-source of proteins for vegans and vegetarian food aficionados. Cooked beans, as well as chickpeas, deliver as much as 15 grams of protein per cup (approximately 240 ml). These legumes are also brimming with nutrients ranging from folic acid, complex carbs, iron, phosphorus, fiber, and many plant compounds. Beans and chickpeas can be cooked in a variety of ways. Indian cuisine is replete with recipes that are awesome in taste and easy to cook.

Nuts and seeds:

The good thing about nuts and seeds is that you don’t have to cook them. You can eat them as is or use them as an ingredient in other dishes. Small in size but big on taste and protein content, nuts and their derivatives are a veritable storehouse of essential nutrients too. Munch a handful of nuts from time to time to time during the course of your day, and ensure your daily dose of fiber, healthy fats, iron, phosphorus, calcium, selenium, vitamins E and B, and antioxidants too. Ideally, you should consume nuts and seeds, raw because roasting or blanching them strips them of their nutritional contents.

Fruits and vegetables:

Contrary to popular belief, not all fruits and vegetables are deficient in protein. There do exist some varieties that are high on protein and can provide us with sufficient quantities of nutrition. Broccoli, asparagus, potatoes, spinach, sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, and artichokes are the different vegetables that you can rely upon to dish out your body’s protein requirements. A cup of any of these cooked vegetables contains about 5 grams of protein.

Similarly, we have fresh fruits and berries that are rich in protein content. For example, bananas, nectarines, guava, mulberry, blackberry, cherimoya contain around 5 grams of protein per serving. Including these fruits and vegetables in your daily diet will help take care of your protein requirements.

In recent times there are also many new and unconventional food sources making their way into Indian cuisines, especially in localities such as Brampton, Mississauga and the Greater Toronto Area – GTA. Ingredients like tofu, tempeh, edamame, and seitan have made their way from the far-east, and are now a regular choice of vegan and vegetarian food lovers. These foods are high on protein and many a time used as a substitute for meat.

Seitan:

Also known as wheat meat, seitan is made from the principal protein in wheat – gluten. When cooked, its look and texture have an uncanny resemblance to meat. 100 grams of cooked seitan provides about 25 grams of protein, making it the richest source of plant protein. Seitan can be cooked in many ways – sautéed, grilled or pan-fried. It is easily available in health food stores. People with gluten sensitivity should avoid seitan.

Tofu, Edamame, Tempeh:

Derived from soybean which is rich in protein, Tofu, edamame, and tempeh are all derived from soybean which is rich in protein. The manufacturing methods differ and so does the taste of each of these soybean products. Tofu is made from bean curds in a process that is similar to the one used for making cheeses, it does not have any distinctive taste and acquires the cooking flavors of the recipe. Similarly, tempeh can also be used in naanza, soups, burgers and other recipes such as the planet special poutine.

Edamame is basically immature soybeans that are sweet to taste with a hint of grass. They must be boiled or steamed before eating them whole or in soups.

Visit Veggie Planet Today

If you’re in Mississauga, Brampton, Etobicoke, and the rest of Greater Toronto Area, remember there’s Veggie Planet Naanza waiting for your palate pleasure! Veggie Planet offers convenient online ordering via the website (https://veggieplanet.ca) and flexible delivery options, including delivery within a 15-kilometer radius available in Mississauga and GTA.

For in-restaurant pickups, Veggie Planet is located at 6985 Davand Dr. Unit #1, Mississauga, ON L5T 1Y7 and can be reached at (905) 795-7950 for all vegetarian and vegan restaurant menu items.

Health Benefits Of Vegetarian / Vegan Fast Foods

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Fast foods are fast foods. Right? You couldn’t be farther from the truth. For starters, the popular perception that fast foods are unhealthy can be safely thrown out the window. Thanks to vegan and vegetarian options, fast foods, especially the Indian street food varieties in Mississauga, Brampton, Etobicoke and rest of Greater Toronto Area are gaining popularity as a tasty, healthy and humane approach to enjoying good food. So, if you have been avoiding meat-based fast foods in GTA due to personal concerns, now is the time to sink your teeth into that succulent veggie burger or veggie pizza at the Veggie Planet location in Brampton, without the guilt pangs. Let’s take a quick tour to find out how exactly vegetarian fast foods positively impact our health…

Longer lifespans

From time to time, scientific studies have established that longevity is directly proportional to a healthy lifestyle and a diet comprising plant-based foods like vegetables and fruits.  Consumption of vegetarian foods and fast foods means the lesser accumulation of toxins and chemicals in the body. All this contributes to increased life spans.

Reduced cholesterol

Unlike meat-based foods that catalyze cholesterol production and build-up in our bodies, vegetarian foods are virtually cholesterol-free. Left to itself, our bodies are capable of producing the required cholesterol by themselves. So, a diet rich in vegetarian foods contributes to cleaner arteries and better cardiac health.

Reduced stroke and obesity risks

People who prefer meat dishes are known to be over-eaters in comparison to vegetarians. It is noticed that vegetarians don’t usually overeat or choose foods on the basis of their emotions. That is also the reason why vegetarians are less at risk of obesity and stroke attacks.

Improved metabolism

It’s a well-known fact that vegetarian food digests easily and helps the body maintain an optimum metabolic rate. What’s more, the resting metabolism rate (RMR) in vegetarians is higher and results in a faster rate of burning of body fat. The next time you munch upon Kawa Nuggets and Kawa Drumstick, remember that you’re actually doing your body a favor.

Lower diabetes risk

Apart from nutrition, vegetarian food is low on fatty acids and also easier to absorb – all of which help maintain a steady flow of blood sugar in the body – and thus keep diabetes at bay. It has been observed that in consumers of non-vegetarian fast foods, blood sugar levels fluctuate wildly immediately after they eat meat-based fast foods. Therefore, fast foods of the vegetarian type, available in your friendly neighborhood Indian street food restaurant in Brampton, are a good option. This holds good especially if you are suffering from diabetes.

Youthful skin

One of the biggest benefits of consuming vegan food, including fast foods, is a skin tone that is healthy and youthful. This is because plant-based foods are rich in antioxidants, minerals and vitamins – all of which are essential for healthy and toned skins. These foods are also high in water content, making them even more useful in our pursuit of youthful and healthy-looking skin. A serving of Veggie Planet Special Poutine in Mississauga is a great way to catch up for a quality meet up with friends as well as give your skin a dose of nourishment. Couple it with Indian drinks like Jal-Jeera and watch the good times just unfold!

High fiber content

Since vegetarian food is high on fiber content, it aids in the digestive processes of the body. Such food also helps boost your body’s metabolic rate and flush out harmful toxins and wastes. Also, the higher water content in vegetarian foods helps the body retain healthy fluid levels.

Anti-depressant properties

Many research in recent times has shown that being vegetarian keeps you happier than if you’re a meat-eater. The good news is that compared to meat-eaters, vegetarians and vegans fare better on depression tests as well as mood profiles. Considering that vegetarian fare is increasingly tending towards organic farming, the health benefits are further amplified. So, when you enjoy vegetarian fast foods, your mind frame is also experiencing pleasant thoughts. The next time you’re feeling low, just walk into the nearby Veggie Planet Location in Etobicoke, Brampton, and feast on Indian street food that’s healthy, tasty and easy on the pocket too.

Better eye health

Don’t rub your eyes in disbelief but research has established the link between diet and the probability of your developing cataract of the eye. According to the studies by a prominent University in the UK, you are at a lower risk of cataract if you’re a vegetarian as opposed to your non-vegetarian friends. And if you’re a vegan, the risks are further reduced. Incidentally, you wouldn’t fail to notice the appetizing natural greens, reds, and yellows that characterize vegetarian fast foods dished up by your favorite Indian fast food restaurant in the Greater Toronto Area?

Easy on the pocket

Finally, vegetarian fast food is good on your waistline and your wallet as well. Going vegetarian makes money-sense too as they are more modestly priced in comparison to non-vegetarian fast foods. Not only will your health improve, but you also tend to save money in the long run!

As you have seen for yourself, vegetarian fast foods are predominantly composed of plant and grain-based ingredients, making them powerhouses of fiber, essential vitamins like C, E, and folic acid. What’s more, vegetarian fast foods are rich in magnesium, phytochemicals and unsaturated fats. Lower levels of cholesterol in the body and lower blood pressure levels have been attributed to the consumption of vegetarian foods.

The best part about Indian vegetarian fast foods and street foods is that restaurants have re-engineered themselves for the modern foodie and the growing influence of vegetarianism. No longer do you have to sacrifice taste and pleasure at the altar of good health. If you’re in Etobicoke, Brampton, Mississauga, Toronto and rest of Greater Toronto Area, remember there’s Veggie Planet Naanza waiting for your palate pleasure!

Veggie Planet offers convenient online ordering via the website (https://veggieplanet.com) and flexible delivery options, including delivery within a 15-kilometer radius available in Mississauga and GTA.

For in-restaurant pickups, Veggie Planet is located at 6985 Davand Dr Unit #1, Mississauga, ON L5T 1Y7 and can be reached at (905) 795-7950 for all vegetarian and vegan restaurant menu items.

A Beginner’s Guide to Selecting the Best Indian Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants Food Menu

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Indian cuisine is as diverse as the topography, climate, and cultures that the vast subcontinental landscape encompasses. Indeed, we can consider Indian cuisine as a composite of many sub-cuisine cultures. From north to south and east to west, the food preferences and styles change as we shift locations across India. But despite these apparent variations, there are a few commonalities that are evident in any Indian restaurant you may visit across the world. For example, the fragrant spices, different varieties of bread, exotic sauces are all used creatively to conjure up a variety of dishes and Indian street food that appeal to vegetarian and vegan food lovers across the globe.

For Indians traveling abroad, and the vast Indian diaspora too, vegetarian restaurants are a necessity as it becomes difficult for them to stick to exclusively vegetarian fare amidst the largely meat-consuming countries like Canada. Fortunately for them, the mushrooming population of Indian restaurants serving up delectable vegetarian dishes, are literally a breath of fresh air. In fact, these restaurants are a haven for vegan foodies too. Indian restaurants like Veggie Planet In Mississauga, Ontario, Canada have shown that plant and dairy-based foods can be tasty, filling and enjoyable to eat. But along with taste, most vegetarian and vegan converts are concerned about the ingredients that make up Indian foods and street foods. It makes sense to know what you’re getting into when you place your order for Indian street food such as a veggie burger or a samosa. Mississauga, incidentally, is home to some of the best vegan restaurants in GTA.

 

Get Set For The Ghee Experience!

Indian food is famous for the generous use of ghee in most recipes. Apart from acquiring the unique flavor, food cooked in ghee doesn’t spoil fast too. In layman’s terms, ghee is nothing but clarified butter. Butter when heated to a simmer over a medium-low flame, slowly loses the water content. When the butter is totally clarified in this manner, you end up with ghee. While vegetarians relish ghee-cooked food, if you’re a vegan, you may want to avoid it. So, when you walk into one of the finer vegan restaurants, Mississauga is home to, and place an order there, check if ghee is used in the preparation. You can always ask the chef to substitute the ghee with a vegetable oil like peanut or sunflower oil.

Naan The Less!

Indian restaurants are famous for the choice of naans that they serve to patrons. For beginners, naan is a leavened bread that’s cooked in a tandoor stove. Some variants of naan use milk or yogurt instead of water while making the dough. So, check if the dough has dairy or water. If you’re wondering about vegan food near me, you can opt for unleavened whole wheat bread options such as roti. You could even order puri, a whole-wheat bread that is deep-fried in oil.


Indian Foods That Are Vegan-Friendly

 

When it comes to appetizers, there is an entire range of vegan-friendly Indian food, Mississauga restaurants offer, such as samosas and pakoras. You also have a choice of onion, okra, cauliflower, aubergine fritters that are a spicy treat for the palate at the best Indian restaurant Mississauga is proud of.

The breads section of the menu in an Indian restaurant comprises of rotis, puris, parathas, and chapatis. While all these bread are made of wheat, sometimes they can be layered with a coating of butter or ghee. It, therefore, becomes important for vegan guests to be informed accordingly. Similarly, when it comes to the sauces, there are yogurt-based ones such as raita that Vegans must keep away from!

The entrées and side dishes in Indian menus usually comprise of saag- leafy greens, aloo – potato, chana – chickpeas, and dal – lentils. All these dishes are usually cooked in vegetable oils and can safely be relished by vegetarians and vegans alike. One of the major ingredients in Indian foods is paneer – cottage cheese. If you’re having vegan friends joining you for dinner, alert them to stay away from the dishes containing paneer or butter.

Indian Foods Are Antioxidant Rich

Indian cuisine is rooted in its rich use of local spices that are strong on flavor, aroma, antibacterial properties and rich in antioxidants. All this makes it the best vegetarian food in Mississauga too.

A hallmark ingredient in Indian recipes such as methi gobi, ginger is rich in anti-inflammatory properties and has the ability to fight stomach ailments.  Similarly, turmeric is a unique ingredient that imparts a yellow hue to Indian dishes. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Cinnamon is yet another spice that brims with antifungal, antibacterial properties.)

 

Protein-Rich Indian Foods

If you’re conscious about your protein intake, it makes sense to keep track of the dishes that are rich in protein. Typically, dishes that have dal – lentils, chana – chickpeas, rajma – kidney beans are rich in protein. Just one cup of dal contains as many as 18 grams of protein while a cup of rajma contains 15 grams of protein. The nutrients in rajma also protect us against coronary disease.

 

How To Enjoy Indian Food Without The Fat Threat

While it may be true that Indian food is rich in fats and can land you in weight troubles, there are ways to go around these hurdles.  Cut down on the fried and deep-fried savories such as pakoras and samosas. Similarly, puris are also deep-fried and you need to keep count of the numbers you consume while gorging upon this delicacy. The dollops of coconut milk used for imparting the unique flavor to some Indian dishes, also add weight to your waistline. So let moderation be the watchword while consuming such dishes.

The best part about Indian food is the tandoori cooking. The tandoor is an Indian clay oven in which the food is marinated and cooked. So, there’s practically no oil used in the preparation of food cooked in a tandoor. It means no fat accumulating in your body!

Remember, whether its vegan restaurants in Mississauga or vegetarian restaurants Brampton, you can have your fill of tasty, healthy food at Veggie Planet without worrying about adding unnecessary body weight.

Veggie planet offers convenient online ordering via the website (https://veggieplanet.ca) and flexible delivery options, including delivery within a 15-kilometer radius available in Mississauga and GTA.

For in-restaurant pickups, Veggie Planet is located at 6985 Davand Dr Unit #1, Mississauga, ON L5T 1Y7 and can be reached at (905) 795-7950 for all vegetarian and vegan restaurant menu items.