Which would the nurse recommend to the client who would like to become vegan and is asking about consuming adequate protein?

November 29, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2024 review, plant-based diets are not only viable for meeting nutritional needs but may also offer significant health benefits, including lower risks of chronic diseases. So, which would the nurse recommend to the client who would like to become vegan and is asking about consuming adequate protein? The primary recommendation is to consume a wide variety of plant-based protein sources throughout the day, rather than relying on a single food item.

Quick Summary

A nurse would advise a new vegan client to eat a variety of plant proteins to ensure intake of all essential amino acids. Key advice includes incorporating diverse legumes, nuts, seeds, and complete proteins like soy and quinoa into daily meals. The emphasis is on overall dietary variety rather than consuming specific combinations at each meal.

Key Points

Eat a Variety of Plant Proteins: Instead of focusing on single "complete" protein sources at every meal, the nurse will recommend consuming a wide variety of plant foods over the course of a day.
Incorporate Complete Plant Proteins: Include soy products (tofu, tempeh, edamame), quinoa, and hemp seeds, as these are naturally complete protein sources containing all nine essential amino acids.
Combine Complementary Proteins: Pair foods like grains with legumes (rice and beans) or nuts/seeds with grains (peanut butter on whole-grain toast) to ensure a balanced intake of all essential amino acids.
Focus on Protein-Rich Staples: Emphasize meals based on legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans), nuts, seeds, and whole grains to maximize daily protein intake.
Supplement with Fortified Foods: Advise the client to use fortified plant milks or cereals to meet nutritional needs for vitamins like B12, calcium, and iron, which can sometimes be lower in vegan diets.
Prioritize Whole Foods: Stress the importance of whole plant foods over highly processed vegan meat alternatives that may be high in sodium and additives.

A nurse advising a client who wants to become vegan and is concerned about protein would stress that a well-planned, plant-based diet can easily meet all protein needs. The key lies not in finding a single "miracle" food, but in understanding the concepts of essential amino acids, complete proteins, and, most importantly, dietary variety. A varied intake of plant foods throughout the day provides all the necessary protein components.

Understanding Complete vs. Incomplete Proteins

Proteins are made of smaller building blocks called amino acids. The human body can produce 11 of these, but nine—known as essential amino acids—must be obtained through food.

Complete Proteins: These contain all nine essential amino acids in sufficient amounts. While most animal products are complete proteins, several plant-based foods also fit this category, including soy products (tofu, tempeh, edamame), quinoa, hemp seeds, and nutritional yeast.
Incomplete Proteins: The majority of plant foods are considered incomplete proteins, meaning they are low in or lack one or more essential amino acids. For example, grains are often low in lysine, while legumes are low in methionine.

The Power of Complementary Proteins

The myth that specific complementary proteins must be eaten in the same meal has long been debunked. The body maintains a pool of amino acids, so consuming a variety of plant proteins throughout the day is sufficient. The nurse would recommend focusing on classic combinations that make a complete protein profile over the course of a day:

Grains and Legumes: A traditional and effective pairing. This includes black beans with rice, hummus with whole-wheat pita bread, or a lentil soup with a side of whole-grain toast.
Legumes and Nuts/Seeds: Adding nuts or seeds to legume-based dishes creates a complete protein. Examples include a salad with chickpeas and sunflower seeds or a sprinkle of toasted almonds on a lentil dish.
Nuts/Seeds and Grains: Peanut butter on whole-grain bread or oatmeal with a sprinkle of chia and hemp seeds provides a balanced amino acid profile.

High-Protein Vegan Food Sources

The nurse would provide the client with a list of protein-rich plant foods to build meals around:

Soy Products: Tofu, tempeh, edamame, and soy milk are all excellent and versatile complete protein sources. Tofu absorbs flavors well, while tempeh offers a firmer, heartier texture.
Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, and a variety of beans (kidney, black, pinto) are staples for a vegan diet. A cooked cup of lentils can provide 18 grams of protein.
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and pumpkin seeds are rich in protein and other essential nutrients, including healthy fats and minerals. Hemp seeds are a complete protein source.
Whole Grains: Quinoa and amaranth are standouts, as they are both complete proteins. Other whole grains like oats, wild rice, and buckwheat also contribute valuable protein.
Nutritional Yeast: This deactivated yeast has a cheesy, umami flavor and contains all nine essential amino acids. A small amount sprinkled on pasta or popcorn can boost protein intake.

Comparison of Complete Plant Proteins


Feature	Tofu	Quinoa	Hemp Seeds	Nutritional Yeast
Source	Soybeans	Pseudocereal/Seed	Hemp Plant	Deactivated yeast
Protein Type	Complete	Complete	Complete	Complete
Protein Content (approx.)	8g per 85g (firm)	8g per cup cooked	10g per 3 tbsp	8g per 1/4 cup
Texture	Soft or firm block	Nutty, crunchy grain	Small, soft nut	Flaky or powdered
Best For	Stir-fries, scrambles, baking	Salads, side dishes, breakfast porridge	Smoothies, yogurt toppings, granola	Sauces, popcorn seasoning

The Nurse's Recommendations: A Summary

The nurse would provide holistic guidance, reinforcing that a vegan diet requires intentional and varied food choices, not just protein focus. The key is to incorporate protein-rich plant foods into each meal and snack to ensure a steady supply of amino acids. Fortified plant-based milks and cereals can also help meet daily needs for essential vitamins and minerals like B12, calcium, and iron. Regular consultation with a registered dietitian is also a valuable resource for long-term nutritional planning.

Conclusion

The nurse would recommend that a client seeking to become vegan focus on eating a wide and varied assortment of protein-rich plant foods throughout the day, rather than stressing about consuming specific "complete proteins" at every meal. By incorporating legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and complete plant proteins like soy and quinoa, it is straightforward to meet all protein and essential amino acid needs. This approach provides a nutrient-dense, satisfying, and sustainable way to follow a vegan diet without nutritional compromise.

Visit Healthline for more detailed information on plant-based protein sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a well-planned vegan diet can provide all the protein and essential amino acids you need. The key is to eat a wide variety of protein-rich plant foods, such as legumes, nuts, seeds, and grains throughout the day.

A complete protein contains all nine essential amino acids. Plant-based complete protein sources include soy products (tofu, tempeh, edamame), quinoa, hemp seeds, and nutritional yeast.

No, it is not necessary to combine specific plant proteins at the same meal. The body maintains a pool of amino acids, so consuming a varied and balanced intake of different plant proteins over the entire day is sufficient.

Simple examples include black beans and rice, hummus and whole-wheat pita bread, or a peanut butter sandwich on whole-grain bread. The combinations don't need to be in the same meal, but these pairings provide a balanced amino acid profile.

If you cannot consume soy, you can rely on other plant-based complete proteins like quinoa and hemp seeds. Combining a wide variety of other incomplete proteins, such as legumes and grains, throughout the day also ensures you get all essential amino acids.

You can boost your protein intake by incorporating nuts and seeds into snacks, adding lentils or chickpeas to salads, using tofu or tempeh in stir-fries, and choosing whole grains like quinoa over refined grains.

Most healthy individuals following a balanced vegan diet do not require protein supplements. However, those with higher protein needs, such as athletes, may find them a convenient option. It is best to prioritize whole food sources.