Stop saying that you need more protein.

[rawfigure]

My answer to Where do you get your protein? is:

-- the same place those big strong gorillas get theirs.

OR

-- the same place those cows (or steer) get theirs.

It quiets them right away, gets them thinking, and usually puts an interesting puzzled expression on their faces.

Raw food diet = raw fruits, veggies (majorly green leafies), seeds, and nuts = enough protein.

Be careful not to keep the cooked food/medical/nutritional/scientific/government RDA mindset when switched to raw and living foods. The body doesn't react the same.

Caveat: what I've said above applies to those who are eating completely raw.

Oh -- so that no one feels my previous sentence is putting them down, I want to point out that this is my "opinion" -- even though I'd also like to note that it's Alissa's (and other very very experienced raw folks') belief and the knowledge on which they base their practices.

Uh huh, yes, so true...

[firefaery]

Okay, I'm exhausted and just got a couple of links together and my stupid computer froze and I lost them. I'm pretty cranky. I will get them together again in the morning. You may have seen alot of them anyhow.

As for me...My protein needs are probably high up there as far as this discussion goes. I am very active, and as I said, nursing and pregnant. My body is supporting three people! THat said I am more alert and active than I ever was as a cooked vegan. My milk supply has increased and I feel great. I know there are blood tests available, but I haven't taken them. I have, however, peed on strips for my MW and am not showing signs of protein deficiency. Yeah me!

RT~I didn't feel that you were trying to open up a discussion, it's just one of the more interesting points to me (coming from the health field) I'm sure you have lots of great info that you would be happy to share. It just bothers me at raw functions or whatever when people use information that isn't all that credible or even true to support the raw food stance (or any other one for that matter!) Just harmlessly playing devil's advocate. Sorry if it irritated you. I love your posts!

[RawTruth]

I love your posts!

Cool ... I think you're great, too. Awww ... it's a love fest!! Hugs all around -- see, no more cranky you now!!

[Ariannah]

If I eat just sweet fruit & salad all day i would feel spacey and hungry.. I need to add in more density a few days a week.

Oops forgot to clarify that my definition of "fruit" is broader than the default. Most people when thinking of the word fruit naturally think of sweet fruit.

Fruit for me encompasses a wide spectrum of things, like cucumbers, avocados, bell peppers (which technically are "fruits"), and often nuts and seeds. I often talk about "fruits and greens" forgetting that people may hear in their minds "sweet fruit and salads".

Regards,
Ariannah

[heabrook]

Thanks guys for all your input.

Just to clarify... this thread was not about targeting newbies in any way. It was simply intended to be an informational thread for anyone who was confused about the protein requirements. It is a common misunderstanding among people that we need more protein than we actually do. I was not complaining, rather just trying to help by giving some information to anyone who desired to read it.

Best,
heather

[stRAWberry fields forever]

rawandnatural,

You said:

"Fruit for me encompasses a wide spectrum of things, like cucumbers, avocados, bell peppers (which technically are "fruits"), and often nuts and seeds."

I had been wondering about how those "vegetables" which are technically fruits, especially the sweeter types such as peppers and tomatoes, combine. Can they correctly be combined as fresh fruits. To clarify, what I'm asking is if according to basic food combining principles, eating a bell pepper at the same time as an apple (for example) causes digestive problems.

Thanks for any info. you can offer!

[PATH301]

Thanks for that link you gave:

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"

I like collecting these places about the whole protein thing as fuel for my fire. Everytime I get the whole protein concern. Yo and trust me I get it alot along with a lot of other people too.

As RAWTRUTH SAID IT HERE:

My answer to Where do you get your protein? is:

-- the same place those big strong gorillas get theirs.

OR

-- the same place those cows (or steer) get theirs.

It quiets them right away, gets them thinking, and usually puts an interesting puzzled expression on their faces.

Raw food diet = raw fruits, veggies (majorly green leafies), seeds, and nuts = enough protein.

AND JUST LIKE WHAT SHE SAID HERE:

I was just sharing what I say -- and a bunch of my raw friends use it, too. Heck, Juliano used it when Path301's friend asked HIM (Juliano) the protein question (!!!!) a couple of days ago when good ole' Path was out here visiting.

It's light, it's funny, it's hopefuly thought-provoking, and it's not the only answer I ever give; it's just one in my repertoire.

I like this response it makes you think for a moment.

[tglasco4]

I have gained 10lbs in the last 10 weeks of weight training. A good friend who knows I am raw asked me, "Are you working out? You're getting bigger".....He knows enough by now not to even ask the "protein" question. I plan on continuing with bodybuilding to help put the protein myth to death.

Peace.

[heabrook]

I have gained 10lbs in the last 10 weeks of weight training. A good friend who knows I am raw asked me, "Are you working out? You're getting bigger".....He knows enough by now not to even ask the "protein" question. I plan on continuing with bodybuilding to help put the protein myth to death.

Peace.

That's great. We set an example for those less informed. :)

best,
heather

[rawfigure]

I have gained 10lbs in the last 10 weeks of weight training. A good friend who knows I am raw asked me, "Are you working out? You're getting bigger".....He knows enough by now not to even ask the "protein" question. I plan on continuing with bodybuilding to help put the protein myth to death.

Peace.

GOOD FOR YOU TODD !! 10 in 10 ?!! my hero !!!!!!!!!!!

Yes ! to what you say !! I am raw for 7 months, I continued to train, but less days due to fact I am now that i am "retired" from Competition, and I bumped my cardio to slim down some, thinking I may drop muscle doing this...and reducing protein intake DRASTICALLY..but who'd counting ;) and SURPRISE no I have not lost muscle in the last seven months.

So that tells me if I decided to get back on the stage and bumped the weight training I could compete as a Raw Vegan.

I am going to adopt the I get my protein from the same place cows do. I told my husband (he is a cow eater..) and he laughed and said, now that is a thought to ponder about !!

[Lunar*Fey]

Ahh if only my doctor could hear you guys talk! She keeps telling me I can't eat this way because it's not normal and would be bad for me. I understand that she sees it as my eating disorder but it's actually what has freed me from disordered eating thoughts. honestly. I am trying to prove this to her and gain back my health...but unfortunately I won't get that chance as I've said many times I have to go to NY Prebytarian. Sorry I keep saying this it's just really killing me. Anyway, thanks for all the good information on protein...I love reading all of your opinions and I respect all of them. :)

[LightLover]

- Hi, somepeople I know are following a "SAD" diet, and I want to explain
to them that the key factor in diet is eating healthy

- If you don't feel healthy, your body will not feel ok, and the diet will fail

- Because people have only attention for a few arguments, I want to bring up the protein myth as main argument against "sad-diets"
This really needs to be a convincing story

- Has anyone a link to a text with has gathered the most arguments in favor of the protein myth?

( like: babymilk has only 4% protein; raw vegan food has aminoacids immediatly ready for the body, while animal protein first needs to be broken
into aminoacids etc...)
Till now I didn't find a place with complete info

- Maybe we could make a thread: Protein information for ""sad-diet-followers"

Anyone can use this to inform all people following atkins diet etc...

[mcasburn]

A few days back, one of my co-workers asked me the dreaded protein question. I said, "Raw spinach and broccoli have more protein per 100 calories than beef." And she looked at me with SCORN, and said "No, they don't!" in a disgusted voice. Well, she's miseducated and incorrect, but what's a person to do? I recommended she read about it, and then let it drop.

Here you go... protein grams per 100 calories of a wide variety of foods. It's VERY eye-opening: http://www.soystache.com/protein.htm

At the bottom: raw apples
At the top: raw spirulina

[LightLover]

Great website

Didn't know that sundried tomato's are so nutritious (14% protein and much minerals, calcium, iron....) One of my favorite foods.

Any more links welcome. :)
I think at least 95% of the people are unknown with all this info.

[rawbeliever]

"Yeah, I'm probably going to die. I guess we'll just have to wait and see."

LOL! that's hilarious. Can I use that, or is it copyrighted?
:)