Stop saying that you need more protein.

I've found several people on this thread (I'm not pointing a carrot at anyone, just something that I noticed) saying they had to include ___ in their diet because they need the protein.

I'm sure most of you know, the amount of protein that we are taught we need is a myth. In fact, it is -- in some ways -- more dangerous (or just as, at least) to have TOO much protein than it is to have too little.

Think about it, have you ever seen an animal in their natural habitat that is protein deficient? The way we are supposed to eat naturally (this being raw veggies, nuts, etc) will supply our bodies with enough protein.

I got this ALL of the time.. "oh dear.. she is too thin, I bet she's protein deficient.. especially since she's --theme from the movie Jaws-- VEGAN!!!"

I was checked about a year ago for protein deficiency (vegetarian all my life, vegan for little less than half) and I was not in any way protein deficient. I'm glad I was tested for it, because I've been able to tell people that when they asked "but.. vegan.. but.. WHERE do you get your protein?!?!?!"

That little voice inside your head is more than likely there because of what the media (and friends, family etc) has taught you that we need tons of protein! must have more now now now! aaaaa!!

I found a great article for anyone who wants to know more about the protein myth.. here is a great quote from it:

"To consume a diet that contains enough, but not too much, protein, simply replace animal products with grains, vegetables, legumes (peas, beans, and lentils), and fruits. As long as one is eating a variety of plant foods in sufficient quantity to maintain one’s weight, the body gets plenty of protein."

article:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo/v...tein_myth.html

Now, IF you know (ie, by getting a test done that says with 100% accuracy that you are protein deficient) that you are in need of more protein, then ok. Otherwise, don't claim it. :)

Also, you can supplement your diet with some hemp seeds to boost your protein intake if you feel is necessary.

Excellent point except as raw foodists, many of us don't eat much in the way of grains and legumes. I would add nuts and seeds to that as "replacements".

Revvell

Human breastmilk is 1% to 4 or 5% protein by calorie percentage.
Grown and weaned human beings do not need much more than that in their diet.

JMHO

Actually, greens and vegetables contain the amino acids that protein is broken down into before it can actually be used. Protein is not utilized by the body, it is the amino acids from the breakdown of protein that is utilized by the body. Plants and vegetables are already in amino acid form.

k

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Originally Posted by karenisraw

Actually, greens and vegetables contain the amino acids that protein is broken down into before it can actually be used. Protein is not utilized by the body, it is the amino acids from the breakdown of protein that is utilized by the body. Plants and vegetables are already in amino acid form.

k

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Exactly. Great explanation.. thank you for your input :)

Agree Agree :p !!

I was the queen of protein for many years but since 7 months raw vegetarian I have dramatically reduced my protein and do not even count the grams, after years of doing so, always accurate & planned at fitday.

So alas I half expecting to lose some muscle but NO ! I have not. So The Myth of needing so much protein, proven wrong in my book.

How do they check for protein ? I recently had a complete profile to include B-12 but he did not say anything about my protein. So is it a test you must request in addition to all the others ?

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Originally Posted by rawfigure

How do they check for protein ? I recently had a complete profile to include B-12 but he did not say anything about my protein. So is it a test you must request in addition to all the others ?

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It was a blood test. Maybe he did check for protein but didn't say anything, you might want to ask him. She was checking for other things too. She thought my blood sugar levels were too low as well... but of course, no. I was completely fine. She was a naturapath that wanted to prove that I should be eating animal protein. I was happy to prove her wrong.

That's a question that gets asked all the time. "Where do you get your protein?"

Explaining over and over again the value of raw foods, ect. is frustrating and can lead to poor health in and of it's self. It gets a little old IMO.

By looking at me anyone in their right mind would not think protein deficiency would be an issue. From that reasoning, it's just a question that needs no answer anymore.... just say, "don't worry, I'll be alright" and leave it at that.


Crystl-jade

touche

:cool:

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Originally Posted by Crystl-jade

That's a question that gets asked all the time. "Where do you get your protein?"

Crystl-jade

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Well, you can ask ~ As a person who eats a SAD including fast food, soda, etc., where do YOU get your nutrients? *shakes head* It's truly a wonder how the body works and we survive at all isn't it?

Revvell

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Originally Posted by Revvell

Well, you can ask ~ As a person who eats a SAD including fast food, soda, etc., where do YOU get your nutrients? *shakes head* It's truly a wonder how the body works and we survive at all isn't it?

Revvell

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Ayyy-men!!!
my mother and father who eat a SAD diet, smoke and drink...worry about me eating raw!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Revvell

Well, you can ask ~ As a person who eats a SAD including fast food, soda, etc., where do YOU get your nutrients? *shakes head* It's truly a wonder how the body works and we survive at all isn't it?

Revvell

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Why do we get picked on? We are the ones who have a healthy lifesetyle. :( People who follow the SAD diet are the ones who need help. Honestly, how can some of them actually think that they ARE eating healthy?? :rolleyes:

I totally agree!

People are so quick to point fingers at a non-omnivore 'normal' human diet because 'it's not as healthy'.

... compared to what, exactly?

'Normal' is people buying processed meals. 'Normal' is people caking everything they eat in butter. 'Normal' is people eating animal flesh despite warnings from even doctors telling them it increases their risk of disease. 'Normal' is children being fed aspartame in sugar-free drinks.

'Normal' is full of bad!

LOL.....THREAD TITLE OF THE YEAR AWARD !!!!!!!!!!

* chuckling * saving time and space.........Heabrook. We love you :)

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Originally Posted by heabrook

Why do we get picked on? We are the ones who have a healthy lifesetyle. :( People who follow the SAD diet are the ones who need help. Honestly, how can some of them actually think that they ARE eating healthy?? :rolleyes:

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Ah yes, this is something that drives me crazy as well. They pick on us because we are different and we intimidate them. They know we are more healthy and that puts great fear into them. They know, eventually, we are going to take over the world. Mwuhahahahahaha. Let them dribble in their fear. Or whatever the word is. I don't care anymore. Those people are annoying, and I don't give them my time anymore. Whenever anybody says anything about me being so unhealthy, I just say, "Yeah, I'm probably going to die. I guess we'll just have to wait and see."