Yes, humans can get enough protein by avoiding fish and meat completely, as long as they eat a balanced and varied diet that includes other sources of protein. Protein is an essential nutrient that is needed for growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues. It is also involved in many metabolic processes and immune functions. Protein is made up of smaller units called amino acids, some of which are essential, meaning they cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from food. A complete protein is a food that contains all nine essential amino acids in adequate amounts.

Fish and meat are examples of complete proteins, but they are not the only ones. There are also many plant-based foods that are either complete proteins or can be combined to form complete proteins. Some of these foods are:

• Pulses, such as beans, lentils, peas, and chickpeas. These are high in protein and fiber, and can help lower cholesterol levels. They can be paired with grains or seeds to form complete proteinshttps://www.piedmont.org/living-better/meatless-high-protein-foods.

• Soya beans and soya products, such as tofu, tempeh, soya milk, and soya yoghurt. These are also high in protein and contain all the essential amino acids. They can also help lower cholesterol levels and provide other health benefitshttps://www.piedmont.org/living-better/meatless-high-protein-foodshttps://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/protein/how-to-get-protein-without-the-meat.

• Quinoa, a seed that is cooked and eaten like a grain. It is also high in protein and contains all the essential amino acids. It is a versatile food that can be used in salads, soups, stews, or as a substitute for rice or pastahttps://www.piedmont.org/living-better/meatless-high-protein-foodshttps://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/protein/how-to-get-protein-without-the-meat.

• Nuts and seeds, such as peanuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds. These are also high in protein and healthy unsaturated fats. They can be eaten as snacks or added to salads, cereals, or breadshttps://www.piedmont.org/living-better/meatless-high-protein-foodshttps://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/protein/how-to-get-protein-without-the-meat.

• Cereals and grains, such as wholegrain breads, rice, pasta, oats, and buckwheat. These are good sources of protein and carbohydrates, as well as fiber and other nutrients. They can be combined with pulses, nuts, seeds, or dairy products to form complete proteinshttps://www.piedmont.org/living-better/meatless-high-protein-foodshttps://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/protein/how-to-get-protein-without-the-meat.

• Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, yoghurt, and eggs. These are also complete proteins that provide calcium and other minerals. They can be eaten on their own or with cereals, grains, fruits, or vegetableshttps://www.piedmont.org/living-better/meatless-high-protein-foodshttps://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/protein/how-to-get-protein-without-the-meat.

These are some of the foods that can provide enough protein without fish or meat. However, it is important to eat a balanced and varied diet that includes a range of foods from different food groups to ensure adequate intake of other nutrients as well.