Chia seeds are an excellent source of protein. Find the recipe here give yourself a boost of energy.

Answers to the Protein Question

Have you really questioned the popular thinking that “more protein is good for you”? You may be surprised to learn that we have known since the 1940’s that about 20 grams of protein per day, which includes all of the 8 essential amino acids, meets most peoples basic requirements for protein. Yet today people believe that they need 70 or even more grams of protein per day especially if they lead active lives.

While it is true that unlike fat, protein cannot be stored by our bodies so we do need to eat a sufficient amount to maintain good health. However, eating too much protein is very unhealthy. Excess protein overworks the digestive system and damages the kidneys. Feeding rats over 6% of their calories from protein has been shown to stimulate cancer growth. In humans it appears to weaken our immune system’s ability to fight cancer in its early stages. Eating meat, dairy and processed foods, is the major cause of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and may contribute to dementia, hearing loss and male impotence among other diseases. Cutting animal products from our diets has been shown to reverse heart disease. It turns out that heart disease and type 2 diabetes are not diseases, they are lifestyle choices.

Nature created such a wide variety of plants providing us with plenty of protein, carbohydrates, fats and essential vitamins and minerals. So let us trust in nature.

Our humble breakfast oatmeal gives us approximately 6 grams of protein. Sprinkle a teaspoon of hemp seeds on it for additional protein as well as essential omega 3 fatty acids. Top it off with 3 or 4 chopped walnuts and some blueberries and you will be well on your way to providing yourself with a delicious, highly nutritious and more than adequate protein meal to start the day.

How about rice and beans with a green salad for lunch and a baked potato topped with a variety of steamed veggies and lentils for dinner? Lentils are very high in protein. A potato on average provides 16% of its calories from protein. As simply as that you have fed yourself a broad range of nutrients as well as all the protein you need. The possibilities are endless for creating protein rich meals. As you begin to experiment you discover how to shop and cook whole food plant based meals quickly and easily (and no greasy ovens, stoves and pans to clean up!). Get inspired and follow my recipes here.