It is an undisputed fact that meat has the complete protein that is needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but what most people do not realise is that consuming meat also means consuming saturated fats. The notion that full protein is not obtainable from vegetables still plagues the mind of the average Joe in this world. However, triathlon athlete, Brandon Brazier, can reassure you that getting protein from a vegan diet is not only feasible, but also fun and healthier. It is also well known that most top athletes maintain a diet that is insanely protein driven and, it goes without saying, that meat is the dominating food product in their daily diet.
All benefits of protein with none of the saturated fats!
Brandon Brazier does point out that when you are on a meat-based diet, all there is to the diet is meat, eggs and milk, so variety is extremely limited. On the other hand, a vegan diet opens up a whole world of different types of vegetables and fruits that are waiting to be savoured. It is true, that a single vegetable usually does not have the full protein that meat has, but keep in mind that meat requires longer preparation time and is accompanied by toxins and saturated fats.
Brazier stresses the importance of whole foods as opposed to refined ones. When vegetables and fruits are heated, the enzymes that help supply the body with energy and, most importantly, digest the food itself are lost in the cooking process. It is worth noting that Brazier looks like Hugh Jackman did in the Wolverine: The Origins movie and Brazier is a full-fledged vegan who is getting the best protein nature has to offer.
CNN interview with Bill Clinton on his weight loss secret: Plants
Guess who is going vegan!
Former president of the United States of America, Bill Clinton, has revealed that he has switched to an almost all vegan diet after his by pass surgery. However he has not made the jump to a fully vegan lifestyle yet, as he does eat some fish every now and then. Clinton still emphasizes how the vegan lifestyle made him feel healthier and more energetic. If this lifestyle promoted great health for a 64 year old former president, it would certainly make a world of a difference for just about anyone.
Sources of Vegan Protein
All right, so you may be pumped up to start on your vegan journey for a healthier you, but may be dreading the effort of finding the right combination of vegetables, grains, nuts and pulses to ensure of all your daily requirement of essential* amino acids. This is a complex area, but to suffice to say that eating a variety of vegan wholefoods will ensure you get the full complement of amino acids and therefore total protein – see the pdf downloads at the end of the article for full details.
The best advice is to eat plenty of brightly coloured fruit and vegetables, including green leafy vegetables and include:
- Nuts
- Soy based products (Tofu, tempeh, miso and soy milk)
- Grains, such as amaranth and quinoa, both very high in protein
- Beans and legumes
If you would like to find an organic grocery store near you, be sure to look through the eco friendly Green Times Directory.
So go ahead! Take the leap to healthier you. Remember, you’ve got nothing to lose… except maybe for those excess kilos you have been trying to shed before the swimsuit season.
*There are 8 amino acids that people cannot make and thus, these must be obtained from our diets—they are referred to as “essential.”
Details of dietary considerations for Vegans and Vegetarians:
- Veganism in a Nutshell (pdf) from Vegetarian Network Victoria
- 'Protein & Vegetarian Diets' Info Sheet (pdf) from the Vegetarian Network Victoria
- Plant Based Nutrition (pdf) from the Vegan Society (USA)
Written by Sultan Al-Mutawa
Additional research by Suze Chalmers
Image: Robert Cheeke at the vegan body building natural competition 2009.
Credit: Mikkei via Creative Commons
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