"Meat=Protein=Good Health"???
When I decided to stop eating meat I would find myself often having to explain my decision to friends and family. The first question they'd ask is "Where will you get your protein without eating meat"? I'm one who moves with the spirit and if I feel like discontinuing something that's what I do, however I had no idea where I'd get protein either! When assisting others in discovering their own path to wellness I always recommend cutting out meat, I also tell them it's important to know why.
Any protein taken into the body has to be broken down into Amino Acid to be digested. Once it's digested it's used to maintain healthy hair and nails, strong bones, a balanced metabolism etc. sounds good right? Well, meat definitely has those Amino Acids but it's also full of Parasites, E coli, Animal Hormones and Bacteria. Dr. Colin T. Campbell who is featured in the several documentaries like "Forks over Knives" (an awesome documentary I provide to all my clients) did a 20 year study in China in which he found a connection between meat consumption and Cancer.
It's a common misconception that meat is the best source of Protein/Amino Acid, Plant Based Amino's nourish the body, they are low in fat and a great source of fiber. There are several options like:
Quinoa
Quinoa provides 8g of Protein per cup. You can have it for break-fast as an alternative to grits or you can mix with vegetables and it takes on any flavor very well.
Nuts
Nuts are a wonderful source of Protein and they are filling. One cup of Raw Almonds has 6g of Protein, Cashews provide 5g per cup and Walnuts boast a whopping 12g of Protein each cup.
Black Eyed Beans
The Beans that your Grandparents would make to bring in the New Year offers 4.3g of Protein each cup.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a favorite in my house and it has 2.6g of Protein per cup.
Salmon
Although I don't eat Salmon, I do recommend an Organic or Wild Caught Salmon every now and then for people who have a hard time letting go of meat. It's high in Omega 3 and 1cup has 40g of Protein.
Though this may not seem like much Protein, how much do you really need in a day? Just basing it on American Standards you need about 46g per day (I think this is far too much). One cup of "lean" ground beef has 57g of Protein, 1 cup of skinless Chicken Breast before cooked has 29.9g of Protein and 1 cup of "lean" Ground Turkey has 34.46g of Protein. Even by standards that I don't agree with if you eat a little meat 3 x a day you will be taking in excess.
If you eat one piece of Salmon, fruits and vegetables a day (I don't recommend eating fish but once or twice a month) you would be at your peak Protein consumption. There are plenty of ways to get your daily protein intake, take time to explore them. You may find that cutting back or cutting out meat can change your life and your health for the better when you begin to add some good plant based proteins.
