The one question I almost always get when I’m talking or teaching about raw foods is, “Where do you get your protein?”  It’s a great question, considering we lige in a culture that strongly promotes the idea that “good” protein comes from animal products.  On a vegan raw food diet, completely devoid of animal protein, things look pretty protein deficient.  So, where do you get your protein?

Let’s back things up a bit and get clear that none of us, regardless of our dietary choices or preferences, is eating “protein” per se.  Rather, we are all eating amino acids, the small components that make up protein.  Amino acids are present in everything we eat, whether it’s fruit, leafy greens, cheese, eggs, carrots, sprouts, or pumpkin seeds.

This means there is protein, or more accurately the building blocks of protein in every food we consume.  The key to getting sufficient amounts of protein into your diet (a very difficult thing NOT to do) is to eat a good variety of foods.  Some foods are more protein rich than others, and surpirsingly leafy greens like kale or collard greens are actually made up of 50% protein!  Now that’s a fact I never learned in high school health class!

I, personally, have been eating a high percentage of raw foods (80-100%) for the past 8 1/2 years, and I can promise you that I am not protein deficient.  I do my best to eat a wide variety of foods, from seeds to leafy greens, colorful vegetables and fruits, some nuts, mushrooms, superfoods and much, much more.  Not only am I not protein deficient, I”m full of energy, strength, stamina and mental acuity.  And I never suffer from the post-meal coma so many experience after a particularly heavy, animal protein dense meal.

It’s important to note that everyone is created differently, and we all have unique needs when it comes to how we metabolize foods and what our particular constitution favors.  If one diet worked for everyone, everyone would be doing it.  Instead, there is a whirlwind of confusing and conflicting information that we have to somehow navigate through.

When it comes to protein, some people feel better when they eat more concentrated doses of protein, while others feel lethargic when they eat this way.  It’s incredibly helpful to discover and listen to what works best for your body.  I can tell you that when I discovered my “metabolic type” and my “constitutional type”, I finally had the keys to understanding what works best for me.  And when my dietary choices follow these guidelines, I feel my best.

If you’re curious about your metabolic type, or want to learn more about which foods work best for your body, a private 1:1 coaching session with me can offer great insight.  I offer free initial consults and am taking new clients at this time.  Could one conversation change your life, your health, and your relationship to your body?