Be mindful about the mix with plant-based sources
While animal sources provide all nine of the essential amino acids, plant-based ones require some mixing and matching to get the necessary levels of those AAs.
All plant-based foods contain at least some of every essential amino acid," says Kristen Smith,
RD, a national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
"When a variety of plant-based proteins are consumed throughout the day, it is possible to consume adequate essential amino acids."
That's especially true when you lean into foods that are a complete protein (i.e. have adequate levels of all essential amino acids) on their own
such as soy products like tofu, edamame, soy milk, and tempeh. But, again, variety is key.