Enough Protein?

[Lauri]

I just posted a thread where I was advised to cut down on nuts. How do I know I am getting sufficient protein? I realize Alissa said in her book that you don't need as much protein if you're raw. I'm still grappling with what this means. What is enough protein? If I'm sluggish, isn't that an indication that I'm not getting enough protein?

[raw_BlondieBlue]

Hi Lauri,

I cannot tell you exactly what quantity of protein is "enough". But I can tell you something that blew my mind when I found out.

Recently, I began tracking my food intake on fitday.com. I was less interested in calories and fat, and more interested in nutrient intake. From my regular old eat-what-I-want 100% raw diet, I am taking in a tremendous amount of protein! There is a little bit of protein in most every raw food -- so cumulatively over the day, I consume many MANY grams of protein. This is exciting because I never select food for its protein content, yet I am still consuming an impressive amount of protein. I am consuming significant quantities of protein without eating much nuts at all (personally, I don't crave nuts and do not snack on them. I do, however, use nuts in recipes when I can be bothered to make them.).

I highly recommend you try fitday.com. I believe that those of us who subscribe to Alissa's transition philosophy of "eat whatever you want as long as it is 100% raw" will be just fine in the protein department.

As far as sluggishness is concerned, have you tried green smoothies? I love spinach and uber-ripe bananas (almost as much brown as yellow). I have half a large blenderful first thing in the morning, and the other half blender at about 3pm. Sometimes it prevents my mid-afternoon lethargy.

Hope this helps!

[sweetgoddess]

Lauri greens and sprouts are the best source of easily assimilated amino acids, which your body converts to protein. You dont get protein from protein, but I see you mentioned Alissa's book so I am sure you are aware of that.

So just up your greens if you are worried about it and the green smoothie suggestion is a very, very easy way to do that!
Protein -> http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3708

Blessings~

[jaurequi]

... If I'm sluggish, isn't that an indication that I'm not getting enough protein?

Absolutely, not. Your chances of being sluggish from inadequate protein are 0 to -0 ;)

In fact, your chances of being protein deficient are same.

Your "sluggishness" may be attributed to a myriad of things...the word itself is not enough information, really. If you are tired, need energy, or have a rundown-type thing; then, dietarily, it may be you need more calories, which means you need more carbohydrates. Energy=Carbohydrates, period.

So, eat more volume
Eat more fruit
Eat more vegetables
Moderate your fat intake

Hope you feel better soon :)

Best,