The Protein Debate

My biggest concern in going veg is my protein intake. In years past, anytime I have maintained a successful weight, it's been on a balanced diet of lean animal protein sources, vegetables and very few whole grains, if any at all. So, I am a bit fearful of adding to my waste line with this. There's also the whole mental crash between meals. Carbohydrates naturally have more sugar then animal protein sources. So even if I am eating the healthiest of the healthiest whole grains, rices, beans and veggies, my sugar intake could increase.

*I should just interject here and say for the last 2 years, I have not really paid close attention to what I have been eating, in terms of macro nutrients (the balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates). However, I know how to do it and with a new way of eating will track and share. So as you are reading this, please do not envision six pack abs :)



So what to do about protein? Vegetarians will argue if you eat enough vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes, you will get the protein that you need. I can attest to nuts being a great mid morning or afternoon snack to help fight hunger and keep the mind sharp. But I wonder about not having a big protein source at the major meals. Animal proteins have been a part of my day to day since my baby teeth started popping through.

The American Dietetic Association claims that it is possible. Vegetarian Times stated that in 1900's the recommendation from within the medical community was no more than 100 grams of protein a day. Now Americans are consuming twice that number and the advice from the FDA is to eat as much animal protein as you want in a day, including dairy and eggs.

*I should note that many of the Food and Drug Administration advisers and board members either currently or formerly were employed by poultry, beef and milk associations and manufactures.

Are we Americans eating more meat because the high protein, low carb diet is best for our bodies, even though 30% of our population is obese (compared to 14% international average). When heart and kidney disease, cancer and kidney stones are on the rise, is a high protein diet, commonly associated with these illnesses really the best option for me?

I think it's just going to take more effort on my part. Habits take 21 days to create, so if I can stay vigilant for the next three weeks, I might have a shot at creating a new way of life for myself. Here are some rules I have created to live by for week one:

1. No meat
2. Egg whites are okay, as long as they are cage free organic (local if possible) and used in moderation. Not as my #1 protein source.
3. Yogurt. I can not give it up. 1/2 cup serving per day. Local source.
4. No milk. I will use almond milk.
5. I have to have vegetables or fruit at every meal, preferably fresh, but frozen and sometimes canned is okay too.
6. No processed foods containing High Fructose Corn Syrup (that means NO donuts at the morning meeting!)

I have software where I can enter in my food consumption and post my total caloric intake, the macro nutrient balance and total vitamins and minerals consumed. I will start flashing some screens to bring some color on this blog and perhaps some photos.

Tomorrows fun new recipe - Brussel Sprouts with chopped walnuts and dried cranberries.