PROTEIN

My experience with this topic, began at a very early age. Having grown up in Southern Appalachia, on a farm, poor, we ate what we could raise and grow. I look back and realize, it was a good life! Poor is a mind set. I was rich! I had privacy to run and play, scream and climb trees, play naked running through the water hose and in general be a kid! I worked hard to help raise our food. I worked in our garden, helping my grandfather, Zeb. He was not school educated but he was the most brilliant farmer and biologist I have ever known. I have him to thank for my education of plants and animals and the love for that as well. We had meat, almost every meal. It wasn't always the best meat because of the price of having to buy meat in the market if we ran out between killings. Bologna, Spam, Treat...these were "get by" meats. After a killing, we lived like kings on pig, cow or chickens. Sometimes rabbits were our fare. The garden produce was frozen, canned and eaten fresh. I have much experience at these things and at one point, despised the familiar and have come full circle, as we tend to do, thankful and blessed to know the childhood I had!

So, the topic today, is based on several clients comments and questions regarding which is best, vegetarian or omnivore? I lived one year as a vegetarian. My family (men), nearly killed me! I became anemic. Sometimes, growing teens, menstruating women, and certain nationalities require specifics to their diets. Other situations, age, babies and elderly, and the sick, or nutritive imbalanced, must seek other options. My suggestion is always that, I suggest when I assess clients that they focus on RAW PRODUCE and add protein as needed. Our basic needs are for the raw veggies and fresh raw fruits that can give us the nutrient rich foods our cells need for health. Protein is vital for other reasons, depending on the individual, as to what that protein looks like!

For knowledge sake, compare this:

4oz Top Sirloin (THAT IS NOT MUCH MEAT but is all one needs at a sitting, unless you are a high energy athlete) gives 31grams of protein

Pea protein, the highest vegetable source of protein and the best utilized, gives 8grams in 1Cup.

Now, that comparison shows the difference! Which is cheaper? Pea protein. Which is more dense? Sirloin. One who is wishing to avoid carbs and do a protein based diet, should consider the options and a basic "Atkins" or Ketogenic diet for a healthy individual, is 52-54grams per day of protein!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT!