Complete vs. Incomplete Protein Pairing

Complementary Protein Pairing

The concept of combining two plant foods with complementary amino acid profiles (such as rice and beans) to form a complete protein profile in a single meal or throughout the day.

This is the strategy of combining two different plant proteins to ensure you get a full spectrum of amino acids. For instance, grains are often low in lysine, while legumes are low in methionine.

By eating rice and beans together, or hummus with whole-grain pita, you create a complete protein profile. It doesn’t necessarily have to happen in one meal, but spreading these pairings throughout your day helps ensure your body has all the tools it needs.