Hey, Vegans! Complete-Protein Meals Under 400 Calories

POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

If you want gorgeous, radiant locks or to heal fast from that pulled hammy after dropping into a split, then protein is a must. Every cell, tissue, and organ in our bodies is made up of protein, so getting your fill is important when it comes to building and repairing your cells. Protein is made up of amino acids, 12 of which are produced by the body. The other nine, called essential amino acids, must be obtained from our diet. Complete proteins contain all nine, and since red meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and dairy are complete proteins, those who eat meat and milk are in the clear. If you're avoiding animal products, then you'll need to eat plant-based complete proteins and combinations of foods to make up the difference.

While it isn't necessary to eat complete proteins at the same meal — you can eat beans for lunch and rice for dinner — if you're a busy vegetarian, you'll find it easier to enjoy them together. This dish of Mexican tempeh with black beans and quinoa is a perfect example of a complete protein as it contains both legumes and whole grains. Keep reading for more vegan meal ideas that contain complete proteins — all under 400 calories.

Maple-Cumin Tofu With Farro
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Maple-Cumin Tofu With Farro

Mix up your grains to beat boredom and make farro with black beans and maple-cumin tofu. You'll feel completely satisfied after a 380-calorie bowl.

Rice and Beans
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Rice and Beans

Good old rice and beans; most people are familiar with this combination. One cup of cooked medium-grain brown rice contains 218 calories and half a cup of kidney beans offers 100 calories. Throw in some veggies, and you have a satisfying meal under 400 calories. Or spice things up a bit and try this Indian red beans over rice recipe.

Hummus and Pita
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Hummus and Pita

Hummus is made with chickpeas, and when you combine these beans with whole-wheat pita bread, you've got yourself a delicious complete protein. This combination is often enjoyed as a snack, but you can also make a meal out of it. Cut up one large whole-wheat pita (170 calories) and dip it in four tablespoons of hummus (140 calories) for a 310-calorie meal.

Veggie Burger on Whole-Wheat Bun
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Veggie Burger on Whole-Wheat Bun

Whether you're grilling or cooking them on the stove, veggie burgers are a great option for vegans. This spicy chickpea barley and quinoa veggie burger surrounded by a whole-wheat bun offers a complete protein. If you don't feel like whipping up this recipe, then find store-bought veggie burgers made with black beans, chickpeas, or soy. The bun is about 200 calories, and most veggie patties are between 100 and 150 calories, so if you add some fresh tomato or onions, then you've got yourself a 400-calorie meal.

Polenta and Beans
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Polenta and Beans

Gluten-free polenta made from cornmeal is a wonderful food to have in your dinner rotation if you don't eat meat. Lightly panfry slices and top with a tomato-bean mixture for a satisfying meal that's under 300 calories — and also offers a complete protein.

Nut Butter on Toast
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Nut Butter on Toast

Always a crowd-pleaser, the simple nut butter on whole-wheat bread offers a complete protein since it's a combination of nuts and grains. Drizzle on some agave, spread on some jam, or add sliced fresh fruit for a bit of natural sweetness. Two slices of whole-wheat bread (200 calories), one tablespoon of all-natural creamy peanut butter (105 calories), and one tablespoon of strawberry jam (40 calories) make a 345-calorie sandwich.

Quinoa, Tofu, and Veggies
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Quinoa, Tofu, and Veggies

Quinoa is high in protein, and you'll be happy to know it stands on its own as a complete protein. One cup of cooked quinoa offers 254 calories. Mix it with some roasted veggies and tofu (another complete protein), and this überhealthy dish is well under 400 calories.

Baked Tofu and Buckwheat Spring Salad
POPSUGAR user prepel

Baked Tofu and Buckwheat Spring Salad

Soybeans are considered a complete protein, and since tofu is made from these beans, it's a great addition to any vegan's diet. Buckwheat is also a complete protein. One serving of this baked tofu and buckwheat Spring salad, at only 294 calories, offers a double bang for your buck.

Peanut Butter and Banana Oatmeal
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Peanut Butter and Banana Oatmeal

For breakfast, doll up a boring pack of instant oatmeal by adding peanut butter and banana.

Cumin-Spiced Lentils With Quinoa
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Cumin-Spiced Lentils With Quinoa

Lentils and quinoa make the perfect complete protein. For under 400 calories, this yummy bowl of cumin-spiced lentils with quinoa offers a whopping 18.7 grams of protein and 19.5 grams of fiber.