Protein, of course, is the main nutrient that builds the body’s tissues. Proteins from food boost energy, curb appetite, and burn fat. Healthy, active people need about 0.4 grams of protein per pound of body weight every day. Everyone knows that meat is a source of protein—it packs a big dose with little fat (depending upon which you choose), and basically no carbs, making it relatively easy to track in your diet. But of course meat is expensive, has no protective fiber or antioxidants, is not the most environmentally responsible choice, takes considerable prep work, and has a short shelf life both before and after cooking. Plus it can quickly get boring – how much chicken can a person eat?  Turns out you don’t NEED meat to meet your protein needs, as billions of vegetarians around the world have proven. So think outside the box and mix up your diet with these surprising sources of protein. For comparison measures, a 3-oz chicken breast (measured raw) contains around 19 grams of protein.Tofu, firm (1/2 cup): 20 grams of proteinTofu on its own is bland, but it picks up the flavors of whatever you cook it with, and is available in a slew of textures. Sauté it, stir fry it, scramble it like eggs, substitute in recipes that call for meat. You can even blend it up into smoothies, puddings, and pie fillings.Lentils, boiled (1 cup): 18 grams of proteinLentils are chewy and nutty tasting, but with a more mild flavor than beans. Make a big batch of lentil soup to freeze and eat whenever you need a light but satisfying, healthy, fiber-packed meal. Red lentils are mildly pleasant and cook up super-fast.Tempeh (1/2 cup): 16 grams of proteinTempeh is packed full of protein but its an acquired taste. Chewy and mild-tasting, it’s really good fried up and tossed with onions, peppers, and your favorite BBQ sauce.Black beans, boiled (1 cup): 15 grams of proteinPour beans on salads, into soups and chilis, in burritos, over rice with salsa, or mash them with a little oil and spices for a healthy bean dip. Chickpeas, boiled (1 cup): 15 grams of proteinAdd them anywhere youd add beans, or roast them on a baking sheet for 3 hours at 300 degrees for a crunchy snack. Of course, in a blender with some sesame tahini, lemon, and garlic, you’ve got amazing hummus. Quinoa, cooked (1 cup): 11 grams of proteinPronounced KEEN-wa, quinoa is a grain that doubles as a protein. You can enjoy it warm, but cold quinoa salads are delicious and extremely filling. Try them with finely chopped veggies and lots of fresh lemon juice.Peanut butter (2 tablespoons): 8 grams of proteinHeavy on fat and calories as well as protein, nut butters are perfect in a pinch, just watch those serving sizes!Spinach, boiled (1 cup): 5.5 g of protein1 serving of spinach only has 35 calories so you can add handfuls to all your meals and watch your protein grams add up. In fact, greens in general have about as much protein as meat, calorie for calorie. Throw in smoothies, in sautes, salads, on sammies- keep  a big bag and add it into every meal. Greens are so good for you.Hemp Seeds (1 ounce): 6 grams of proteinThis superfood is loaded with protein along with omega-3 fatty acids. It can be added to almost any meal with ease, just sprinkle it over cereals, salads, and grain dishes.Green Peas (1 cup): 8 grams of proteinA serving of green peas contains as much protein as single serving of peanut butter without all the fat and calories. It also has nearly 100% of your daily vitamin C and tons of fiber. Eat them as a side, in salads, or mashed up as a way to extend your favorite guacamole, with fewer calories and more fiber!Pumpkin Seeds (1 ounce): 9 grams of proteinSkip the pumpkin lattes and go for the seeds. Roast them yourself or find them premade at the store. Packed with trace minerals and fiber, they are a great grab and go snack, or add them to salads or your morning oats.