Stop saying that you need more protein.

[heabrook]

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 oneÂ’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.

[Revvell]

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

[Ariannah]

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

[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

[heabrook]

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

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

[rawfigure]

Agree Agree !!

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 ?

[heabrook]

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 ?

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.

[Spectatrix]

Plants and vegetables are already in amino acid form.

k

Incorrect. The amino acids in plants are still bound up in proteins and have to be broken down by the body.

[LightLover]

My feeling says you are right.
But I also somtetimes read the opposite

Can someone help us with this, we need to inform correctly

[Jamie]

I just want to clarify what I"m trying to say.

IN the OP the first sentance says " I"ve found several people on this thread"......

To me that was talking about people posting on this site. I thought that was this web site was for was to ask questions... to be encouraged in the raw path. I see that sentance and think that if I read that, and was a newbie, I sure wouldn't want to ask questions about protein. Yes, there are many threads answering questions about protein that one could search.

Upon reading some other threads tonight, I see people posting that they are struggling with craving something, or asking other questions that obviously irritates another member. Instead of encouraging the original poster, the replies to me seem to be discouraging. Struggles are real to many of us and that is why we are here, to find encouragment.

So although I see that the OP was not necessarily meant for newbies, I can see how newbies might be leary of posting questions.

Lovinly,


Jamie