Good Sources of Protein

In order to know what foods are good sources of protein, you have to know what the foods with protein are, how much protein these sources have, and how much protein we actually need.

But, the most important factor in determining the best sources of protein is knowing the quality of a given protein source. After all, if the protein we eat is not in the optimal form that is easily used by the body then it can't do us very much good.

Foods with protein are:

-Meat
-Eggs
-Nuts and Seeds
-Dairy
-Grains
-Sprouts
-Vegetables
-Fruit

As you can see, just about all foods have protein, but in what quantities and qualities? Is more always better?

The U.S. RDA for protein is 0.36 grams per pound of body weight. This means a 120 pound woman would need 43.2 grams of protein. Keep in mind that this amount was calculated with added margins for digestibility and protein quality. In novice terms, this means that we actually need even less than that amount if we are getting quality protein.

What is quality protein?

Read this article on how I learned the hard way what the quality protein is that I desperately needed.

The body cannot use protein in its original state. All protein has to first be digested and broken up into its amino acids, and then they are assimilated and used by the body. However, when proteins are subjected to high temperatures during cooking, the delicate amino acid chains are damaged and the body cannot break them down for use. These proteins then become toxic waste matter that has to be eliminated.

Thus, the best sources of protein come from uncooked foods.

Some added perks are that raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and sprouts contain far less fat and more minerals, vitamins, and enzymes in addition to being good sources of protein. High protein diets from cooked animal sources and grains are acidic and have been linked to cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and a host of other health problems.

It should also be noted that either carbohydrates or fat has to predominate ones total caloric intake since protein simply does not make up a large percentage of the calories of any given food. Often, those who think they are eating a high protein diet from consuming animal products are truly eating a high fat diet. On the other hand, fruits and vegetables are made up mostly of carbohydrates, which is the bodies favorite choice of fuel.

The truth about vegetarian protein sources

Instead of consuming cooked meats and grains and pasteurized dairy products, we should be eating good sources of protein from raw, vegetarian foods. But, before you roll your eyes and mutter that there is not enough protein in these foods, let us take a look...

If we eat sufficient quantities of fruits and vegetables with the addition of some nuts and seeds, it is more than easy to consume enough protein. You could, of course, add in raw dairy and eggs if you like. Take, for example, this sample menu for a 120 pound woman.

Lunch: Salad- 1 head romaine, 1/2 avocado, 1 tomato, 1/2 cup corn 288 calories, 15.29 grams protein

Snack: Smoothie- 5 bananas, 2 cups strawberries 679 calories, 6.9 grams protein

Dinner: Salad- 6 cups spinach, 1 red pepper, 1 ounce almonds, 1 cucumber 202 calories, 14.4 grams protein

Totals for the day: 1,591 calories and 45.69 grams protein

Try eating these good sources of protein for a month and see how you feel. You may initially experience some detoxification as the body rids itself of the toxic proteins from meat, but most people report great increases and improvements in energy, stamina, and health.

Don't allow the meat and dairy industries to sway your common sense any longer. Good sources of protein are raw, vegetarian sources. Cows are one of the most muscular animals on the planet and they eat grass. Do we really need to eat the middle man to get what we are really after?

Raw Food Meals For Protein

List of Raw Foods

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