There are basically two types of proteins, complete and incomplete. Proteins found in vegetables, beans, legumes and grains are considered incomplete because it lacks one or more of the essential amino acids. Usually, proteins derived from vegetable sources are lower in quality (incomplete) than proteins from animal sources (complete).

Although vegetables contain significant amounts of protein, their type of proteins does not provide the complete essential amino acids required by the body for building muscle.

Since protein can not be stored in the body for later use like carbohydrates, it is obligatory to consume complete proteins in every meal to stimulate the body’s muscle building activity. Complete proteins are the highest quality type of proteins that contain all of the essential and non-essential amino acids required by the body. Common sources of complete lean proteins are chicken breast, egg white, fish, lean red meat, milk, egg, shellfish and turkey breast.