seeking high protein recipes

[NFrawRUNNER]

O.K....I debated about starting this thread because I am NOT NEW to raw so I understand the basics and research on raw foods already.
I have been raw since August, 2005 and 100% with no slipups since before Christmas.....Many of my old health issues are resurfacing and I am teetering on the edge in changing my food plans.....I do believe raw foods heals one from the inside out...For that I am very grateful. However, as of late my body seems to be lacking something. :confused: I have tried high fat, low fat, low protein, etc......more smoothies, less nuts...I tweek and tailor the diet constantly, almost obsessively. I realize our bodies don't require as much protein as we are led to believe. I also see that higher than 10% is not rec. by many. However, I don't know if I agree with that because if it's "clean protein" it shouldn't really matter right? I am very interested in upping my protein intake to 30% for awhile to try to "rebuild" my body (I am an endurance athlete too and having many muscular problems recently...leading me to question my protein intake).....So, I guess I am seeking advice on specific foods that are high in protein but not necessarily high in fat......Nuts I need to limit....I just bought some hemp protein which seems ideal......any other ideas????? or recipes????
I want to stay raw and tweek this to get it right but at what expense? Has anyone else ever seen regression on raw after a couple of years? Don't mean to be a downer but thought I should be honest.....I would like to try 40-30-30 for awhile but seems to be hard while raw????? (40%carb, 30% fat, 30% protein.....a good athletic balance)

[vgloveforlife]

Wheatgrass is very high in protein.

[Sharon in Colorado]

I'd go into a nutrition database and try things like greens and maybe hemp that tend to have a lower fat percentage.

[solarliving]

I like this salad I've been eating lately

3 crowns of broccoli- mixed in food processor, chopped fine
1 zucchini- sliced thin- I used food processor
1 cucumber sliced up in 4ths
2 tsp. pumpkin seed ground up (I think hemp seed has higher protein)
1/2 lemon juice

stir in big bowl and enjoy.

I think leafy greens have the highest content of protein. The only way I can get those down is in a smoothie.

[Lunar*Fey]

I would say LARGE quantities of nutritious greens as well as sprouted lentils and other sprouts. Sprouted lentils are really yummy. Sprouted peas and lentils are my recent loves..I can eat like over a cup of them at a time. It's weird, I am gravitating toward more vegetables lately (I always love my fruit though)....and protein. I too need to rebuild my body.

[michigan roman]

im at 16 months raw and have been feeling im lacking something also .
and what ive just got onto is soaking either hard wheat berries or raw hullless oat groats only about 24 hours (maybe more with the wheat) in order to soften them for eating . but not letting them get to the point where they are getting green/forming chloryphyl which really changes the taste to grassy . these just have tiny tails or none at all , it doesnt matter because your just softening them for chewing .
i then strain and eat the oats with oatmeal type additives , and the wheat i use like rice . these 2 raw fuels are giving me something more substancial in my gut that i wasnt getting from vegis - fruit - nuts - seeds , the grains stay longer than the heavy nuts which break down faster . the grains lay in the g.i. tract as a solid longer giving one an energy reserve is how im seeing it .

[RawCutter]

http://www.nutritiondata.com allows you to search for food based on certain criteria.

from the home page choose tools->nutrient search

[NFrawRUNNER]

im at 16 months raw and have been feeling im lacking something also .
and what ive just got onto is soaking either hard wheat berries or raw hullless oat groats only about 24 hours (maybe more with the wheat) in order to soften them for eating . but not letting them get to the point where they are getting green/forming chloryphyl which really changes the taste to grassy . these just have tiny tails or none at all , it doesnt matter because your just softening them for chewing .
i then strain and eat the oats with oatmeal type additives , and the wheat i use like rice . these 2 raw fuels are giving me something more substancial in my gut that i wasnt getting from vegis - fruit - nuts - seeds , the grains stay longer than the heavy nuts which break down faster . the grains lay in the g.i. tract as a solid longer giving one an energy reserve is how im seeing it .
You're at 16 months and I am about 19 months raw....So why do you suppose we are both having similar symptoms? Do you work out too? I do extensively and thought you did too...I'm just thinking maybe athletes DO need more protein. I have gluten sensitivities so can't do the grains but will try sprouting lentils and searching the nutritiondata data base too....

Thank you everyone for all of your help! I knew I could count on you!

Lunarfey-How are you? Have you heard anything yet? PM me if necessary! Guess we both need to rebuild huh? I am adding some essential oils now too that were blended for me at our hfs.....Thanks again everyone!

[michigan roman]

yes i run - bike - lift - cals . but to me im not seeing it as a protein issue , im rather believing that since im 48 and have always aten vast majority cooked (simple plant matter vegan for past 15 years , s.a.d. before that . but always the vast majority of it cooked) that its gonna take several years before my body chemistry adjusts . several years before i find my new fuel mixture . but like you say you believe the body heals from the inside out i too believe in raw . im TOTALLY commited to raw . ive seen enough of what the cooked diet has done to mankind on this planet . i wont waver on my beliefs . so even though i admit im feeling lacking i'll never lose my faith in raw . i'll just keep changing diet til i find mine .

[michigan roman]

NF , did you ever take say a third cup sesame seed and grind fine in blender to which you then add your sweet fruit smoothie stuff .
sesame is high in protein and fat to burn while running .

[Morn]

NFRawrunner - Garbanzo beans are a good source of protein. Make some red pepper hummus. There is a pretty good recipe posted on the site. It is also filling!

[dextera3]

Thank you for posting this question! That is one of my concerns as well... I do weight lifting, distance running, and all other sorts of exercise, and I'm trying to be sure to get enough protein in my diet!

[Forever Young]

How about raw oat groats with rasberries and a little bit of maple syrup on it. Forever young

[paprika]

There is a brand new (just released this month) book called "The Thrive Diet", written by an ironman triathlete who is a raw vegan (or high-raw at least). He has recipes in the book for shakes and energy bars, post-workout foods, etc. Most of his energy bars and shakes have hemp protein in them. I think it's a book you'd find useful if you're a hardcore athlete. Though some of the recipes are cooked (though very lightly), most are raw or have a "raw option". The book is published in Canada, so I haven't seen in on Amazon.com yet, but it is available from Chapters/Indigo books (www.chapters.ca)

[NFrawRUNNER]

Excellent idea! I just went to his web site and the book looks great! Thanks for the heads up! Today I bought some spirulina powder and have decided to add that to my smoothies on a daily basis. That along with hemp protein powder (to also add) should help bump up the protein I think.....Here's to hoping I'll be perking up soon!!!! Thank you everyone for your insight and assistance! I'll let you know how it all works out in a couple of weeks! (I should be perking up by then!);)

[laurenSina]

Have you heard of this product: Vega (http://myvega.com/main.asp)? It's an all raw, high quality, high protein meal replacement. I think it's also all organic, but I'm not sure. I don't normally eat these kinds of things, but a friend gave me a sample, and I thought it was great.

[laurenSina]

I forgot to say it's also all vegan.

[Solace]

I forgot to say it's also all vegan. HAy I was gunna say that=Vega :p Its not that tasty but it is a great product, with the maca and stuff in it. Also raw hemp powder and that is very good protien, I know it was already mentioned.;) Also eating it after you work out not before.

[tvillemom]

This is the 2nd time I've seen "vega" mentioned...checking on that! Ya'll are awesome, and I know as I get more and more fit, there will be challenges, but I want to remain raw, and show DH that raw nutrition is the best.
Wendi

[littleangelbear]

I've been raw since December 2005, so I'm about 16 months raw too. I've been 90-100 percent too.

I'm an endurance athlete...I train and race on my road bike. Well, I'm trying to anyway. It's been quite the struggle for me. And, I have tried all kinds of food tweaking.

I had to cave and get some raw hemp protein powder. I use 1-2 scoops in my smoothie per day. It seems to help, but my body just doesn't absorb amino acids very well. I have the same problem with minerals such as calcium, potassium, sodium, etc. It is quite an issue if you are working out strenuously and don't feel you are recovering as quickly as previously.

I eat lots of greens and sprouts too. The thing is though when you ride for 1-3 hours a day and also, do some high intensity stuff in there and race, etc., along with real world stressors, it's hard to get everything IMHO from foods. I've had to turn to some supplements as well as B-complex injections from my holisitic physician.

But, I had similar issues of absorbing B's, amino acids, and minerals prior to being raw. I guess too that having a history of chronic fatigue and Epstein-Barr virus complicates my overall picture.

I guess at this point, I'm looking at adding more sprouts and greens. It's hard to get all the calories you need if you fill yourself up with sprouts and greens LOL...green smoothies help a bit, but I have to watch my blood sugar with those. I also find my tummy gets sore from too many nuts and seeds...maybe I'm just even more sensitive now.

I guess I need to re-evaluate the level at which I'm raw and the level at which I exercise. I think it's totally different when you're a "hardcore athlete" as someone here termed it versus a person who works out for health enhancement. It totally changes your requirements for calories and the macronutrients like carbs, proteins, and fats.

I notice raw coconut butter is a God-send for me. It's helps me to have more stamina.

I guess it's just super frustrating to not feel like you are optimally nourished. I've read that book "Thrive" by the way. It's okay, but it has a fair amount of cooked recipes.

I'm not sure how I feel about maca. I guess I've read some things about it affecting men and women differently, so that concerns me a bit.

I don't want to sound like a downer, but I just share this because maybe someone will have some insights or perhaps, someone will read it and realize they are not alone.

[Conscious Midwife]

Whatabout nut burgers

I made a batch by food processing pecans, almonds onion, garlic clove and broccolis sprouts oph and then a little soaked flax seed to make it all stick.

dehydrate an enjoy

I've already eaten five patties today:p

[Magus]

Hi!

Actually I do not need so much proteins. But if I would need them I'd do the following:
* Soak especially lots of hemp, flax and almond seeds and mix them together with green or fruit juice
* sprout chickpeas and lentils for a few days and mix them up too
* use wheat grass, (non-THC) hemp grass, nettles and sprouted alfalfa juice

Btw: what is the advantage of hemp protein powder over soaked and/or sprouted hemp? Same for flax seeds??

[Kate]

A Favorite Green Smoothie

About 20-24 ounces, 1 or 2 servings,

This is my fav smoothie, always keeps me going and i always have these ingredients around so it makes it easy. It not small but its just me so i take this to work and drink till lunchtime.
Ingredients

* 3 cups Spinich
* 1 frozen banana
* 1 tablespoon flax oil
* 1 tablespoon maca powder
* 1 tablespoon spirulina
* 1 cup almond milk
* 2 dates
* 1 cup goji berries

Preparation

Soak goji berries and dates till soft(1/2 hour -an hour?) in about 12oz of water. Blend all ingredients and then add as much soak water that you want for consistency. Enjoy!
:D

[Kate]

oops!

i cut and pasted that last post from another site...
i am an english major... i can spell ''spinach''... lol!
the grammar is yucky, but enjoy the drink!

[rawfigure]

I am in the same boat, over a year raw and I can tell by my slack skin, lack of tone, and very very dry, something is missing here. Dispite my intack of Avo and other fats in my diet.

I am going to add the Thor's Raw Protein in (made with protein from Brazil nuts) and get some Spirulina and Cholerella too (that is very high in Protein).

[Harley]

laurensina, the Vega powder is not raw. However, the vega bars are all raw.

Littleangelbear, i am in the same boat. I am a competative cyclist and ride a lot. I logged over 6,600 road bike miles last year alone.
I am now in serious training for some really hard races and hillclimbs. I am on into my 5th week of serious bike training (i also lift weights on the side) and i am totally lethargic. Have not been on the bike since last sunday. This march starts my second year 100% raw and I think i need to change some things.
This fatique ,lethargy and very long recovery times are definitely diet related.
I have ordered the Thrive diet and hope that may give me some insight.
I have read everything else that is out there.
I agree with you in that hardcore athletes have different requirements but i do not want to go back to all those sports supplements
We just need to somehow figure it out.
Keep me updated on your progress

[Harley]

rawfigure, let me know how the spirulina and chollera work for you.
I would like to buy some and try it out also.
What brand did you buy?
How do you take it?

[littleangelbear]

Btw: what is the advantage of hemp protein powder over soaked and/or sprouted hemp? Same for flax seeds??


Convenience maybe :) I don't feel like traveling with sprouts, especially in the summer when I travel to races :)

Harley,
Yes, need to figure out something! Wow, you are as hardcore as me LOL--actually, I don't do as many miles right now 'cause I'm transitioning to mtn. bike racing, so I have to do intervals, etc. So, not as much high mileage these days or this season :) Luck to you too! Let me know how things work out for you too! Hugz, L

[Lay-Lay]

Do you feel maybe your body may be detoxing and maybe that is where this "need" for protein is coming in play. Also it could be that you need fats, like coconut or avocado. Green smoothies, green smoothies, green smoothies!

just a thought.

[BlueKiss]

Hi guys,
Last month 100% raw and having a difficult time with my energy level too. I am only working out 3 days per week but with a trainer doing mui thai, running, weight/strength training...she kicks my butt good. I can relate and was thinking I wonder if 80% raw and incorporating some cooked sweet potatoes, whole grains, etc would help? I suppose we can all just keep trying with the supplements and soaked grains and see if that helps? All I know is when I did incorporate the cooked foods as mentioned above and then worked out, I had much more energy to burn, and felt I could go further and work out harder. It almost seems to be a caloric intake type of thing more so than just getting more nutrition? I don't mean to promote cooked food, but I am wondering for us that work out pretty hard if maybe we should on those days take some vegan cooked foods? I know Allissa works out pretty hard, I wonder what she would say.
What are your thoughts?

[Vandy]

I am a raw athlete, and I have been for the past two years now :)

Have you read Dr. Graham's 80/10/10? It worked miracles for me. Your bulk of protein comes from fruit and greens, but I would jam pack in those yummy fruits... I know Gosia on this site is also a fan of bananas ;)

[rawfigure]

rawfigure, let me know how the spirulina and chollera work for you.
I would like to buy some and try it out also.
What brand did you buy?
How do you take it?


I buy the one on sale at the HFS...I will keep you posted on it.
My bodyfat has increased which I am not happy about but I weigh the same.

[Harley]

Vandy,
what would a typical day of food consumption look like on the 80/10/10
meal plan.
I have heard of a lot of deficiencies on this meal plan though.