Where Do You Get Your Protein???

"Where do you get your protein?" My absolute favorite question - not!!! Needless to say, I loved this cartoon from Dr. Joy's presentation last night. Obviously, it's a huge generalization (there are plenty of ways to do an unhealthy veg diet - just ask me!), but I think we've all run across people like this at some point.

In reality, protein deficiency is almost unheard of in the Western world. Protein excess, on the other hand, is rampant. Obesity, heart disease, certain cancers and many other diseases are often called "diseases of excess" - excess animal protein, fat, sugar and processed foods. And although the prevalence of diet-related disease our country faces today is accepted as normal, there are so many studies that show it doesn't have to be that way.

Eating a diet based on whole plant foods such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, beans and whole grains reduces our chance of "death by diet" and can support an active lifestyle for everyone for everyone from an average fitness enthusiast all the way up to (and beyond) an Ironman triathlete (check out Brendan Brazier).

I mean, this guy below looks strong and healthy enough with a plant-based diet.

Of course the powerful meat and dairy industries would like us to continue believing the protein myth, but as with everything, I encourage everyone to research the issue for themselves. Even if it doesn't lead them to give up meat, perhaps it will make them less critical of those who do. After all, I would never ask a hard-core meat eater or fast food junkie where they get the tens of thousands of micronutrients found only in whole plant foods. I mean, that would just be rude.