Happy Herbivore

Ah, the most common question a vegan (or vegetarian) gets asked! First let me say that needing a lot of protein is a misconception born out of fad diets like Atkins. The Recommended Daily Allowance for protein is merely 0.4 grams of protein for every pound of healthy weight. Thus, a man who weighs 150 lbs needs only 60 grams of protein per day (150 x. 0.4 = 60). And where does he get it? Everywhere! Beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, whole grains, fruit and even vegetables contain protein. In fact, 100 calories of spinach has MORE protein than 100 calories of steak! Quinoa, leafy greens and legumes are excellent plant-based protein sources that come with the bonus of vitamins, nutrients, minerals, fiber and most importantly - no harmful cholesterol or animal fats! In fact, WHfoods.com ranks soybeans as the 10th healthiest protein rich food, beating out eggs, all dairy products and most meats! Consuming excess protein also taxes the kidneys, causes premature aging and leaches calcium from your bones. Diets high in animal proteins from both meat and dairy are also strongly linked to heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes. However, a whole foods plant-based diet can minimize and/or reverse the development of those chronic diseases so eat your veggies!