Protein Advice!

[whitelotus]

Hi Everyone!
I'm 4 months pregnant and my doctors are concerned about me getting enough protein because of my eating habits. This is my first pregnancy so forgive me if these questions are redundant. They recommend around 70-75 grams of protein a day and this is according to the SAD diet, is it the same eating a raw diet? It's been quite a challenge to get in all of these grams of protein, along with their recommended 2300 calories per day. This is really confusing to me because I know that it's according to the SAD diet but how does this all translate to a raw diet? I wish I could trust my body and it's natural instincts but since this is my first pregnancy, I'm concerned about getting enough nutrients for my child. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much!!! :D

[smoothiegirl]

Wow! That's a lot of protein! I thought we only needed 20-25 grams a day.

[Eva]

I read (but haven't verified) that the RDA numbers are doubled because 1/2 the protein is not absorbed in meat and they assume we all eat meat.

I don't know if that's helpful info.

Hemp seeds, chia seeds are good for upping the protein, but we get a good amount of protein from everything we eat as raw vegans. If you are upping your calories, you are also upping your protein by default.

Are these doctors comfortable with your diet? If not, it may be good to either A/ take what they say with lots of grains of salt, ignoring those things that don't make sense to you OR B/ find less zombified RDA'd, FDA'd up docs. :) :p

[Anastazia]

Here's a link that shows how much protein is in what veggies, (& they list raw as a source, too), be sure to keep an eye on serving size...
http://www.highproteinfoods.net/vegetables

Here's a link for veggie protein bars, with some good info on protein sources below them...
http://www.thinkproducts.com/nutrition/vegetable_protein_bars.htm

Most of all, please relax, don't get all stressed over this, (that's worse for the baby!) Dr's don't know everything, (& very little about nutrition...they actually only take HOURS of nutritional education in the 8+ years it takes to become a physician!)

Just listen to your body, stay raw, do what you know is healthiest for your baby, it will all be fine...you're already eating healthier than 98% of most pregnant women, & your baby takes it's nutrition from you, if there are difficiencies, it's actually you who will be more affected...{God's built-in protection for the growing little one...} & that's more likely to happen with calcium than protein...(think of your teeth, bones, etc...eat at least 1 tablespoon of raw organic tahini each day, it's a very absorbable form...& lotsa broccoli!)

Pregnancy is a time to grow, & I don't just mean physically! Love this life-chaging time of your life, & trust the process! (Not doctors! Remember, they're your employees! Hey, have you considered a midwife & homebirth?!?)
~Anastazia~

[Raw Angel Mom]

You know thousands of year woman have been pregnant and eating cook food with healthy baby. So my say would be for you to do what feels right and follow your body guidance. If after taking your blood test and all is fine, i don't know why you so need to worry about this.

But for all the stories that i heard, the easiest pregnancy and delivery were woman having raw food. If i was to have another child, i most probaly stay with raw food. I have been nursing for 2 1/2 years and working full time and my milk and energy are just fine, but i had to do raw food and especially greens for me. I don't do well with nuts but i still eat them occasionnallly. On SAD food they may have high content of protein but very low nutriment and essential minerals. Mainly due to cooking.

Food rich in protein beside the greens (spinach, kale, dandelion, etc...) Hemp seeds, avocado, seeds, nuts, coconut, papaya, etc.... To tell you the truth there are protein in almost all the food. You can also supplement with maca i believe Alissa Cohen sell this if not just google. You can also visit the gardendiet.com this woman had 3 pregnancy on raw food.

I wasn't on raw food unfortunately but i was vegegetarian. I never had food craving and i took angstrom size minerals (the only mineral small enough as the plant to be absorb by your body. If i would of crave for steak, i would of eaten it but i never did have any craving for meat. At the time, i would have only fruits in the morning and i would eat only nice heathy organic food. I would rarely eat dairy or egg. So i wonder about this requirement with so much protein. Have you consider to consult another doctor????

Make sure to eat nice fresh fruits, greens and even vegetable juice. All of those food are fast absorb by your body and therefore the little baby in you gets to have a treat.


I wish you a wonderful pregnancy and a smooth delivery.

[Aleesha Sattva]

i would simply add a little chia seeds to your green smoothie in the morning, perhaps again to your salad in the afternoon... after all they are high in protein and in calcium! plus your omegas... can't go wrong with those little guys!

read more about chia seeds - click here (http://www.rawveganbooks.com/product_info.php?ref=199&products_id=1001333&affiliate_banner_id=1)

[Zella Juice]

I craved and ate steak my whole pregnancy. UGh :(

If only I knew I could just have green smoothies. Then I wouldn't have had the nausea, swollen parts, painful childbirth and unhealthy baby.

I wanted him to get better and stop being sick every other month. And Doctors putting him on antibiotics all the time.

That is why we are raw today. He is 8 and has been raw for a year. And vegan for 3 years. His health has never been better.

[jacsam]

My advice would be to get Alissa's book and DVD....they will tell you all about protein/calcium and answer many more question. When's your baby due? Congrats!!!