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Naturalzing.com
Introduction
When the days get colder, our meals naturally shift too. We tend to look for foods that feel warming, satisfying, and steady. For people eating plant-based, winter is a good time to check in with what’s on the plate and how it’s making us feel. That includes making sure we’re getting enough of the right nutrients, especially protein and fat, which help us feel full and focused.
This guide is here to make things simpler. We’ll walk through how to get vegan protein and fats from plants you already know, using meals that don’t take a lot of planning. If you’ve ever wondered if what you’re eating is enough, or just want a reminder of what feels good in colder months, we’ve got you. By the end, you’ll have a better sense of how to build meals that help you feel supported and nourished all winter long.
Why Protein and Fats Matter in a Vegan Diet
Both protein and fat play bigger roles than people sometimes think. Protein isn’t just for people who lift weights. It helps us feel strong, stay full between meals, and support everything from hair to muscles. Without it, we can feel slow or like our body is working harder than usual.
Fat often gets overlooked, but it’s one of the main things that helps us stay grounded during the cold months. It adds rich flavor and helps with keeping us warm. Fat also helps the brain work better and gives us steady energy. Meals without enough fat can feel flat or unsatisfying, and sometimes we end up still hungry afterward.
Together, protein and fat are what give meals their backbone. They make food feel more complete, especially when we aren’t eating as much fresh fruit or salad as we might in warmer months.
Grateful to Phillip and NatZ for their hard work in sourcing the highest quality artisan cacao available. The combination of To’ak’s flavor profile with their ethical practices and sustainable production methods makes it a joy to work with in our hand-crafted cacao creations… this cacao paste is pure magic!
Easy Plant-Based Sources of Protein
It’s easier than it looks to get enough plant protein. Many foods we already eat are packed with it. We like to keep these on hand:
- Nuts and seeds like almonds, pumpkin seeds, and hemp seeds
- Legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, and black beans
- Protein powders made from peas, rice, or sunflower seeds
One way to make sure you’re getting enough is to add a handful of seeds to oatmeal or blend a scoop of protein into a morning smoothie. You can stir white beans into a soup or top toast with nut butter instead of jam. They’re small swaps, but they add up.
We also find it helps to rotate between types of protein. Some days you might lean on a smoothie, others on a hearty bean soup. Changing it up keeps flavors interesting and helps the body get different nutrients throughout the week.
Our protein collection at Natural Zing includes organic raw nuts, seeds, and superfood protein powders made from a variety of sources, organically grown, all non-GMO and vegan-friendly.
Finding Good Fats on a Vegan Diet
Fat helps with more than comfort. It allows the body to absorb certain vitamins and helps keep energy levels steady through long days. On a vegan diet, it just looks different. Here are a few go-to sources:
- Cacao Butter! Very under-rated
- Coconut products like oil or milk in soups or baked goods
- Chia or flax seeds stirred into breakfast bowls
- Cold-pressed oils like olive oil used for roasting or dressing
Including fat is often about small changes. A drizzle of oil on cooked veggies makes them taste richer. A swirl of coconut milk can turn a simple soup into something creamy and filling. Seeds can add crunch and help round out a dish.
Getting enough fat through winter also helps with focus and mood, which makes a difference when the days feel short or routines feel a little off.
Our raw nut butters and coconut products are made with only clean, plant-based ingredients, making it simple to add satisfying healthy fats to vegan meals. Also, try our Jungle Peanut Butter- Low in Aflatoxins and Mycotoxins. It is the only shelled Jungle Peanut butter in the world.
Building Balanced Meals with Vegan Protein and Fats
When we put these pieces together, meals do more than fill us up. They help the day feel more stable. Protein and fat work best when we use them in the same meal, especially in colder months when our bodies naturally ask for more.
Here are a few meals that keep that balance in mind:
- A warm bowl of lentil stew topped with hemp seeds or a swirl of olive oil
- Oatmeal cooked in plant milk with almond butter and chia seeds stirred in
- A roasted veggie bowl with chickpeas, avocado, and tahini sauce
- A smoothie blended with frozen fruit, pea protein, and ground flaxseed
The goal isn’t to rethink every dish. It’s just to check in and see where you can add something that makes it more complete. Fat and protein often go together in whole foods, so sometimes just choosing a few natural ingredients is enough.
Smart Meal Habits for Colder Months
Winter is when many of us settle into slower rhythms. That can be a good thing for meals, too. Having a few go-to staples ready makes it easier to eat well without thinking too much.
- Keep an assortment of beans, grains, and nuts in the pantry
- Batch cook a soup or grain dish once a week to use in different ways
- Add seeds or fat-rich extras to the meals you’re already making
Some people feel hungrier in winter or notice their energy dips if they skip fat or protein. Listening to those signals helps. If your body feels like it’s asking for something warm, hearty, or grounding, it probably is. Those cues point to the need for more satisfying ingredients.
It’s not about doing everything differently. It’s about small shifts that meet the season with the right kind of fuel.
Keep Meals Simple, Nourishing, and Satisfying
Natural sources of iron can take us far, but they don’t always solve everything. Sometimes, even with smart eating, your iron might still run too low, especially in winter when you're already dealing with shorter days and sluggish energy.
It’s okay to ask for help. If you’re often pale, dizzy, extra tired, or having trouble focusing, these can be signs that your iron might need a closer look. A doctor or registered nutritionist can help figure out what’s going on and may suggest getting your levels tested. They may even guide you through adding iron sources in a way that works with your plant-based approach.
This kind of support can be helpful if you’ve been using foods like dulse regularly and still don’t feel like things are improving.
Keep It Simple With the Right Sea Veggies
Thinking about food in winter doesn’t have to be complex. The mix of vegan protein and fats gives our meals more staying power, especially when paired with grains or winter produce. If you’ve ever ended a meal still feeling hungry or unfocused, it might have needed just a bit more of one of those two things.
By keeping a few basics nearby and mixing in options you already like, it’s easy to find a rhythm that works. You don’t have to plan out every meal in detail. Often it’s enough to focus on how food feels, satisfying, steady, and warm. That’s the part that sticks as the season continues.
Getting enough of the right foods during winter doesn’t have to be complicated. We keep things simple by choosing quality ingredients that naturally offer both comfort and support. For easy ways to add more depth and balance to your meals, check out our favorite whole-food options packed with vegan protein and fats. At Natural Zing, we’re here to help you stay nourished through the colder months with choices that feel good on every level. Let us know how we can help you plan your next winter pantry reset.
The Author: Phillip McCauley
