Where Do You Get Your Protein?
Anyone following a WFPB lifestyle will get enough protein from all the fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds that their body needs. Our bodies only need 6-10% of our calories to be from protein, and all plants contain at LEAST 6% protein. In answer to the common question, “So where do you get your protein?” , I offer the following: Average dark leafy greens contain anywhere from 35%-51% protein, vegetables 25% protein, whole grains 14% protein, quinoa 18% protein, and beans 25-27% protein. A WFPB diet easily provides the protein required to keep a body active and strong. Someone on a WFPB diet could not possibly be protein deficient unless that person was not consuming enough total calories.
Even endurance athletes can benefit from a WFPB diet. Athletes need to be sure that they are consuming enough calories to keep up with the calories expended during training and workouts. They should include whole grains as a big focus in their diet including pasta and breads. They should also include more starches like brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes and regular potatoes. Remember that plants have many anti-inflammatory substances, not found in animal products. Dark leafy greens, ginger, walnuts, flax meal, hemp and chia seed will aid in quicker recoveries, and also help repair those endothelial cells that are the guardians of our bodies! Pre-workout foods should include fruits for that quick energy boost. And for longer workouts, athletes should consume oats, quinoa and whole grains to sustain them. Athletes that switch to a WFPB diet over the SAD (Standard American Diet) are taking it to the next level, and will have a performance advantage over their SAD eating peers.
Anyone on a WFPB diet does not need to take any additional supplements other than Vitamin B-12. In fact, many supplements suggested by the body building industry (casein, soy protein isolate and whey) can actually be detrimental to your health and should be avoided. Adding additional protein that the body does not need is associated with cancer promotion, kidney and liver issues, bone density issues and a drain on energy levels. A WFPB gives you everything you need. It eliminates the garbage from the animal proteins (saturated fats, cholesterol, growth hormones, IGF-1) and will improve your energy, strength, endurance, performance and recovery.