The Great Protein Myth

Here is a real area of misunderstanding in the field of diet and nutrition, particularly in the area of nutrition for sports. We are told over and over that a balanced diet has a mix of carbohydrate, protein, vitamins, minerals and fat.  People tend to think of meat or fish for protein, a carbohydrate like potatoes, pasta or rice, vegetables for vitamins and minerals and fats by sauce, olive oil, dressing or desert. Now it’s also thought that the ratio of the main three, protein, carbohydrate and fat should be as third each for balance.

Right? I don’t think so. I think the protein content is far too high, and of course individual foods are a blend of fat, protein, carbohydrates and nutrients themselves. Now let’s take a look at the first whole food that we all have an interest in, mother’s milk, for most of us our first food, and it’s when we need maximum protein for all the growing we are doing.

So if you had to guess, what percentage of breast milk would you say is protein? 45%, 35%? Try again, its 2%. Shocked? I was when I found out! So when we are young and we are putting on weight as fast as we ever will naturally, we do it on a diet that is 2% protein.

Take one of my favourite foods, broccoli, it has a blend of nutrients, fats, carbohydrate and protein that I think is very synergistic with the requirements of the human machine, and the fats are vegetable fats, not the more troublesome animal fats. I’m pretty much vegetarian since learning all I could about nutrition, sure there is nothing wrong with eating animal flesh, but I can’t see the need with all the great sources of natural protein available with non of the drawbacks of animal goods. Also consider the health effects of consuming too much protein, weak bones, lethargy, acidic PH and high body fat.

I think there are different types of people, some thrive on protein, other become overwhelmed by it and suffer. I myself need a good supply of protein but I look to get this from the plant world. Did you know that wheatgrass powder is higher in protein than fillet steak!

My typical meal now is heavy on the lightly cooked or raw green vegetables, small oily fish a couple of times a week, some nuts and seeds for minerals and protein, plenty of cruciferous and leafy veggies and some good un-processed whole foods like brown rice. And what do I notice since leaving behind animal products? Well it’s all good, more energy, more focus and less congestion problems and illness.