But What About...?

So, I'm having fun doing these blogs, and entering into conversation with some of you - via phone, via computer, and via the grocery store or other random places.  Most of these conversations start out with these words:  "But what about..."

I'll attempt to answer some of the more common questions.

"BUT WHAT ABOUT...

• ...protein?" It is a common misconception that we need large amounts of protein in order to be strong.  It is also a misconception that protein must mean animal protein.  Protein is necessary for our development, true.  And it is true that meat does provide protein.  But it is also true that plants provide plentiful protein, as well.  It is prudent to look at the package that animal protein comes wrapped in:  saturated fat, cholesterol, and no fiber.  Compare that to the packaging of plant proteins:  fiber, nutrients, vitamins, and disease-fighting phytochemicals.  There are many plant sources that are high in protein (beans, nuts, seeds, grains, quinoa (which is actually a seed), and vegetables such as asparagus, cauliflower, spinach, broccoli, peas, among many others).  Just eat a variety of plant-based foods and you'll get enough (about 10-15% of your total caloric intake... but you don't need to bother counting; it'll happen pretty much without trying). "Plant sources of protein offer several health benefits. They are often higher in fiber and have more vitamins and a wider variety of nutrients than other protein sources. They are also generally lower in calories and have less fat. Another advantage is that plant-based protein sources are usually less costly than other sources, making meatless meals a budget-friendly way to improve your diet."  (Read more here)  If you can tolerate a little offensive language, here is a good article on the subject.  But don't say I didn't warn you.  

• ...fish and chicken (or turkey or pork or shellfish or any other meats)?"  These alternative meats have been pimped in the media, in response to the bad rap that red meat has gotten.  Red meat's sullied reputation was deserved, but the deceitfulness in the promotion of these other meats is that they still contain saturated fat and cholesterol.  Granted, a lean cut of red meat or chicken may have slightly less saturated fat, but the dietary cholesterol level remains the same.  Salmon boasts high levels of helpful Omega 3s, but still contains the attendant fat and cholesterol.   There are plant sources of this helpful nutrient.  Walnuts, flax seeds and green leafy vegetables are excellent examples.  Additionally, remember the packaging that animal products come wrapped in:  saturated fat, cholesterol, no fiber, no phytochemicals.  

Woo-hoo!

• ...my husband, who feels deprived if he doesn't get occasional meat?"  Woman, don't deprive your man!  But he doesn't have to have meat every day.  There are a few different tacks to take on this matter.  One would be to say that one serving of meat a week is probably fine, and may go a long way to keeping peace in the marriage.  But remember, a serving is only 3-4 ounces, which is only the size of the palm of your hand, which is smaller than many a manly man may want to consume.  Another solution is to work in some "transition" meats.  There are some decent "fake" meats (made from tofu and found in the health food section of your local grocery store), that even our kids said wasn't too bad.  A third, and highly desirable way is to find some good vegan cookbooks or websites and let him see how good meatless can be.  I've been experimenting with recipes in The Forks Over Knives Cookbook.  I've heard good things about The Engine 2 Diet also.  There are a ton of good cookbooks out there... Google it!  Also, here and here are a couple of meatless websites with tons of recipes to get you going.
• ...my wife, who insists on seafood and caviar?"  (Same as above answer for the husband.  And unless you catch it yourself, it's really expensive.)
• ...my kids, who can't live without hot dogs and chicken nuggets and pepperoni pizza?"  They might think they'll die without those things, but they won't.  Try those tofu meat substitutes from your health food section of the grocery store.  And find some great meatless recipes they like.  And a Costco hot dog once in a while won't kill them.
• ...being a guest in someone's home who is serving BBQ steaks?"  My advice to you is:  eat it and enjoy, knowing that this is an offering of love from your host.  It's what you do 90% of the time that will make you.  In the remaining 10% is freedom.  Just don't abuse that freedom to the point of getting away from your healthiest you.
• ...Thanksgiving and Christmas?"  As I mentioned in a previous post, turkey and ham are holiday foods to me.  But just for that day.  Don't undo the good you've been doing.  If you've weaned yourself off meat, I'd bet that you won't feel great after indulging, so be prepared.

I have no axe to grind.  I'm not being paid off by some vast vegan conspiracy (though I wouldn't mind the money).  I'm not a doctor, and I don't play one on TV.  I'm just doing a lot of research and, overwhelmingly, this is what I'm finding.