How can we get Protein without Animal products?

Animal products have become a custom in our American diets, we eat meat with breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Protein!  "It's necessary, how else would we get protein in our diets?!" we say.

Well, I say to you... WE CAN get protein in our diets without the use of animal products!  And it is quite simple!  Need I also mention that we won't have that feeling of fatigue after a meal like we get when we eat a cheeseburger, or a prime rib steak!?

The truth is that we Americans take in way too much protein than what we actually need.  Some of us assume that protein gives us energy, and that my friends is incorrect!  Protein is required in our bodies for growth maintenance, repair of cells, and to helps build muscle.  However, too much protein can be bad!  When consuming protein, our body will only take in what it needs, and convert the rest of the left-over protein into FAT!

This is also the case for those individuals that drink whey protein shakes and think that is a healthier alternative to eating meat... well, no my friends, it is not healthier, it's the same thing.  Not only that, the majority of whey protein powders are milk based and when consumed in high quantities, will also turn into fat.

This is also the case in vegan and vegetarian diets, with more meat alternatives becoming available in markets, it is quite common to indulge heavily on these meat substitutes.

The key here is not to over-indulge with protein and keep a balanced diet.  On average our protein intake should be between 10-15%, and it should be the same for athletes (athletes should often increase their carbohydrate intake, not protein intake.)

With this said, I will give you a few plant based proteins that we can incorporate in our diet to substitute meats.

• Black Beans
• Tempeh
• Soybeans
• Quinoa
• Firm Tofu
• Peanut Butter on Whole Grain toast
• Lima Beans
•  Seitan (You can make this at home, watch this video)

...Among many others, you can of course eat meat alternatives such as soy ground, chick-un, pulls, and TVP.  But like I said earlier, try to keep your diet balanced.

I hope you enjoy these protein alternatives, remember to be creative and explore with new things, you might surprise yourself and discover that cooking vegan or vegetarian is really not that difficult!