Stop saying that you need more protein.

[jujube]

I agree for the most part- protein isn't a problem, as long as someone is eating adequate calories from raw food. But if someone is eating too little food, then protein CAN be a problem... but that's something that can happen on any diet, not just raw.

I also want to point something out about the breast milk argument. I used to use this when people told me I wouldn't get enough protein- I'd say that babies only get 4% of their calories as protein, and they grow in leaps and bounds! But then a friend pointed out a problem with this argument: it's more accurate to look at protein consumed per pound of body weight, not as a percent of total calories, because it's body weight that determines calorie needs.

So if you look at a 10 lb infant, who needs about 800 calories a day, 4% of that is 32 calories from protein... which is 8 grams of protein.

So that infant is eat 8 grams of protein per 10 lb of body weight, which is 0.8 grams of protein per pound.

For a grown adult, who is 150 pounds let's say, this would be the equivalent of eating 120 grams of protein (0.8 x 150 = 120).

Now of course we're not growing, so we don't need that much But if you look at it this way, the breast milk argument doesn't work too well... because 4% of calories as protein actually comes out to be quite a bit, for a baby.

[Jamie]

I agree about all the previous posts on this thread about protein.......


BUT, this site is also to help and encourage newbies... one of the first questions they ask is about protein... So let's not put them down!! People come to this site because they want to be raw and they have questions and that is totally understandable.

So if you see a post that irritates you why not just ignore it instead of complaining!!

Jamie:)

[Tombi]

Hi Jamie!

I have to agree with you about complaining no one wants to read about complaining. However, there is an abundance of wisdom weaved within the complaints. And that wisdom is very beneficial to the newbees. What I got out of the thread was very simple. There is no real reason to overly concern yourself about how much protein you are obtaining because your nutrients are being meant by the virtue of eating raw. Even better if you are completely raw. Yet, there would obviously be problems if one were not to be eating enough raw food period. Here is where listening to the body and doing research on this board and reading Alissa's book becomes essential.

So newbees should read this post and see the passion of those who are raw and have been raw for sometime. They are serious about their Raw Lifestyle. The experience of those before us and those of us living and learning speaks loudly on this board in support of Alissa's teachings.

Let's all embrace this journey together...besides we are all headed in the same direction...optium health!!!!

[Conscious Midwife]

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.

A Naturopath

Guess I'm all confused now?!?!?!?!

[Jamie]

Tombi,

With all due respect,, seriously,, I understand what you are saying!! And I agree.. BUT, I read some of the post and think wow,, I don't want to ask any questions!! I don't want to be attacked..I have been reading some other posts just today and think those poor people that are seeking advice or encouragement probably don't want to ask anymore!!

I have been on and off raw for a few years now and I know about protein and that we get enough.. But I am recently pregnant and even though I knew in my mind it was ok to be raw, I posted a question anyways. I needed the reassurance. I am so glad that everyone lovingly replied and didn't make me feel awful:)

I realize that this is off topic for this post,, sorry.

Jamie

[4Chunit1]

Great thread. What I find interesting is in bodybuilding circles, the amount of protein taken in by serious dudes (or dudetts) is crazy. Heck, I used to set my alarm for 4 AM, have a protein drink sitting there to slurp, drink it and fall back asleep. As I am now a believer in acid/alkaline or mucus forming/non-mucus forming foods, I think that the extra protein intake will work. However, I get the feeling that what we call muscle a lot of the time is no more than backed up acidic waste. I once heard that somebody should paint a picture of a health human being so that everyone could go and look at what they thought they were talking about. Blessings to all.

4chunit1

[Conscious Midwife]

I agree for the most part- protein isn't a problem, as long as someone is eating adequate calories from raw food. But if someone is eating too little food, then protein CAN be a problem... but that's something that can happen on any diet, not just raw.

I also want to point something out about the breast milk argument. I used to use this when people told me I wouldn't get enough protein- I'd say that babies only get 4% of their calories as protein, and they grow in leaps and bounds! But then a friend pointed out a problem with this argument: it's more accurate to look at protein consumed per pound of body weight, not as a percent of total calories, because it's body weight that determines calorie needs.

So if you look at a 10 lb infant, who needs about 800 calories a day, 4% of that is 32 calories from protein... which is 8 grams of protein.

So that infant is eat 8 grams of protein per 10 lb of body weight, which is 0.8 grams of protein per pound.

For a grown adult, who is 150 pounds let's say, this would be the equivalent of eating 120 grams of protein (0.8 x 150 = 120).

Now of course we're not growing, so we don't need that much But if you look at it this way, the breast milk argument doesn't work too well... because 4% of calories as protein actually comes out to be quite a bit, for a baby.

6-10% of total caloric intake being protein seems normal.

Take a 1800 calorie AHA diet , 180 calories from Protein would yield 45grams of protein daily. that's the equivalent of maybe two 6oz Turkey burgers.
4 High Protein SOy or Power bars.

Seems quite obtainable on a vegan diet and even raw if you include soy foods.

[Rawkinlocs]

Upon reading the threads that followed after the OP, I think there may be a misunderstanding as to WHOM those who've posted are referring to. I don't "think" (and I could be mistaken, but it's not how I read it) that this is at all about newbies coming on and asking "the protein question" but rather people in our everyday lives...SAD eaters who are always trying to argue with us that eating this way cannot and will not provide adequate protein for us.

I know the OP was mentioning seeing people say they are including things to get protein, but even the orignal post, IMHO, wasn't putting newbies down, but rather giving them hope that they don't have to be overly concerned with making sure they get "enough" (translated, the amount the RDA recommends) protein.

I also saw a post where it was said (paraphrasing), "this question gets asked all the time...it's getting old"...when I read that post in it's entirety, I read it in context with the posts that preceeded it and gathered that they were not making reference to newbies who come here and ask that question, but rather people we come in contact with in our daily lives when they find out the way in which we eat.

That's just my take on it...I didn't feel it was about newbies.

[Tombi]

Peace Jamie and congrats on the little one!!!!! :)

I am with ya! It's just the passion many have about rawness may sometimes come off as a little strong. No one on here should ever feel that they can not ask a question or make a comment. Trust me if the vibes get too crazy the mods will jump all over it in two minutes!

Even you know that all questions are answered and all problems are usually resolved here...right! After all this is the greatest raw food forum on the net!!!




Embrace a complete Raw Lifestyle...everybody!!!

[Jamie]

If I read the posts wrong the I appologize.


Sorry,
Jamie

[Crystl-jade]

Upon reading the threads that followed after the OP, I think there may be a misunderstanding as to WHOM those who've posted are referring to. I don't "think" (and I could be mistaken, but it's not how I read it) that this is at all about newbies coming on and asking "the protein question" but rather people in our everyday lives...SAD eaters who are always trying to argue with us that eating this way cannot and will not provide adequate protein for us.

I know the OP was mentioning seeing people say they are including things to get protein, but even the orignal post, IMHO, wasn't putting newbies down, but rather giving them hope that they don't have to be overly concerned with making sure they get "enough" (translated, the amount the RDA recommends) protein.

I also saw a post where it was said (paraphrasing), "this question gets asked all the time...it's getting old"...when I read that post in it's entirety, I read it in context with the posts that preceeded it and gathered that they were not making reference to newbies who come here and ask that question, but rather people we come in contact with in our daily lives when they find out the way in which we eat.

That's just my take on it...I didn't feel it was about newbies.

Exactly. Thanks!
It's mostly about my family(extended) and a few friends. No newbies were being referenced in the least. :)



Crystl-jade

[firefaery]

Just to clarify...breastmilk is a constantly changing live food. It changes not only from day to day, but from minute to minute. It can contain as little as 2 or as much as 8 percent protein. It isn't an accurate measurement, but one that can be used. At no other point in our lives do we require that much protein. You can absolutely get enough in a vegan diet without soy.

[Ariannah]

I also want to point something out about the breast milk argument. I used to use this when people told me I wouldn't get enough protein- I'd say that babies only get 4% of their calories as protein, and they grow in leaps and bounds! But then a friend pointed out a problem with this argument: it's more accurate to look at protein consumed per pound of body weight, not as a percent of total calories, because it's body weight that determines calorie needs.

Well, the breast milk argument does still fly with me. The 4% is the maximum content of breast milk. And if an adult were to go around saying they get 1-4% of their daily calories from protein, easily obtainable via a variety of aminos found in plant sources, people would be getting out the proverbial IV drip. These days "they" say 30-40% of calories should come from protein so yeah, I'll go for the breastmilk argument any old day.

This is not even mentioning that on random times of a typical raw day, I calculated (mere curiosity, not because I felt I needed to - I'm a geek that way) how much of carbs, fat, protein, blah blah blah I was getting, and it often turned out to be 5 - 10 percent. 10% protein is often recommended by some raw gurus.

So, I remain unchanged in the breastmilk analogy.

Respectfully,
Ariannah

[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

[rawpriestess]

I agree with Rawkinlocs, I read the posts, and I felt that they were not about the newbies asking questions, I think it's about people in general, relatives, co-workers, etc.