Experts recommend the best vegetarian protein sources.

Margarita Medvedeva / Getty Images

My diet has never been very “balanced.”

The biggest change I needed to make?

protein-problem-vegetarian-GettyImages-1369362864

Photo:Margarita Medvedeva / Getty Images

My body needed more proteinand lots of it.

Why Protein Matters

Protein is a necessary component of every diet.

Here are thenine highest protein nutsto consider snacking on.

These work as a protein-boosting snack or dessert, or incorporate them into a savory-sweet dinner recipe.