The Inevitable Protein Question

I am constantly asked the question, "So where do you get your protein from?" or "How do you make sure you are getting all the protein you need if you don't eat meat?"

Many people are worried about getting enough protein when becoming vegan. This concern about protein is misplaced. Although protein is certainly an essential nutrient which plays many key roles in the way our bodies function, we do not need huge quantities of it.

In reality, we need small amounts of protein. Only one calorie out of every ten we take in needs to come from protein.

It is very easy for a vegan diet to meet the recommendations for protein, as long as calorie intake is adequate. Strict protein combining is not necessary; it is more important to eat a varied diet throughout the day.

The truth is protein can be found in many things.

Nearly all vegetables, beans, grains, nuts, and seeds contain some, and often much, protein.  All the protein you need can be gotten from brown rice, beans, lentils, leafy greens like spinach, broccoli, quinoa, oatmeal, fruits, nuts and seeds and whole grain breads.

So if you are eating a varied, healthy diet of organic fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains you will absolutely get all the protein your body needs.   :)

Check out some awesome athletes whom you might not know are Vegan!

Mac Danzing: UFC Fighter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5FnA0SPniY

Scott Jurek: Ultra Running Champion
http://www.scottjurek.com/#/home/

Tony Fiammetta: NFL player for the Dallas Cowboys
http://www.onegreenplanet.org/news/nfl-fullback-goes-vegan/

Vegan Athletes: UFC vs Boxing Manny Pacquiao KO GSP vs Shields, Frank Mir, Mike Tyson Go Vegetarian.  YES, you read that correctly Mike Tyson is a Vegetarian!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqzPOUaSg2Y

The Model Vegan