Nutrition 101: The Science of Plants

Busting myths and building healthy habits

💪 Myth: "You can't get enough protein on a plant-based diet"

Truth: Plant foods are packed with protein! Lentils, chickpeas, tofu, tempeh, quinoa, and even vegetables contain protein. The average person needs about 0.8g per kg of body weight—easily achievable with varied plant foods.

Essential Nutrients & Where to Find Them

🥜 Protein

Build muscle, repair tissue, and stay satisfied

  • Lentils (18g per cup)
  • Tofu (20g per cup)
  • Tempeh (31g per cup)
  • Chickpeas (15g per cup)
  • Quinoa (8g per cup)
  • Edamame (17g per cup)

⚙️ Iron

Energy production and oxygen transport

  • Spinach (6mg per cup cooked)
  • Lentils (6.6mg per cup)
  • Tofu (3mg per cup)
  • Pumpkin seeds (4mg per ¼ cup)
  • Quinoa (2.8mg per cup)
  • 💡 Tip: Eat with vitamin C!

💊 B12

Nerve function and energy metabolism

  • Fortified plant milk
  • Nutritional yeast
  • Fortified cereals
  • B12 supplement (recommended)
  • 💡 All vegans should supplement!

🦴 Calcium

Strong bones and muscle function

  • Fortified plant milk (300mg per cup)
  • Tofu (calcium-set, 861mg per cup)
  • Kale (94mg per cup)
  • Tahini (64mg per tbsp)
  • Almonds (75mg per ¼ cup)

🧮 Interactive Protein Counter

Click on foods to add them to your daily total

Total Protein: 0g

Did You Know?

🌱 Variety is key: Eating a rainbow of plant foods ensures you get all essential amino acids and micronutrients.

🥗 Iron absorption: Pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C sources (like bell peppers, tomatoes, or citrus) to boost absorption by up to 300%!

🥥 Healthy fats: Omega-3s from flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts support brain and heart health.

💪 Complete proteins: You don't need to combine proteins in one meal—your body pools amino acids throughout the day!