Secret of Protein

     I have been a dietary vegan for well over a decade now, and the most common question I am asked is, “How do you get your protein?”   On top of that, whenever I am accompanied by loving family and friends at any sort of food-based gathering I am usually asked to bring something “with protein, for the vegans”… of which, I am generally the only one unless I am seeing my Aunt and Uncle in Utah.  I can also guarantee that I will hear someone tell me that they think I should worry about protein.

     I am not proclaiming to be an expert on nutrition by any means, but what I have to offer is my experience.  My experience as a Vegan that is surrounded, loved by, and loves people who accept me for who I am even though they don’t understand it and personally reject the idea of a completely plant based diet.

     Give it a shot?  Why not?  That’s what I said, and I’m glad I did.  It’s not for everyone, but it is amazing the difference a positive change in food consumption can make if you’re willing to give it a shot.  Does it help to have a network of people doing it to?  Sure, but it’s not impossible to do it by yourself.  In fact, it can be more empowering if you do.  Perhaps that is why I’ve done it for so long.  So, here is the first piece of knowledge I offer to anyone who wants to understand veganism or a vegan, or maybe looking into it.

     Protein… That’s on everyone’s mind when it comes to “Diets”.  Well, protein is very simple to get even in a vegan diet.  The only difference is, that you have to be a little more cerebral about it.  Yes, that’s right.  We have to think about it.  One reason why it is so easy to be an omnivore is that omnivores and carnivores simply “steal” protein sources that have been produced by other animals.  These other animals are usually vegan.  So… where did they get their protein?  That’s a different story, but what I’m saying is that if those animals can do it then so can we!  There are two pieces to being cerebral about it.  Number one is a diagram of what a person must do to complete a protein (yes, sorry for not making it any fancier, but this is EXACTLY what it looks like in my head:

     Cerebral bit letter B: Every meal should count.  I say should, but do I sometimes eat something that doesn’t actually accomplish anything… yes.  I’ve made vegan fudge and the only thing it accomplishes is rounding me out.  If you’re looking to lose weight with this change, then I would recommend making most if not all of your meals count.  You’ll lose weight regardless, but you’ll feel better and have fewer cravings for meat, dairy, etc. if you make it count.  Always hit two corners every time you eat! (I usually do all three)

     There you have it!  That’s the secret to my success for protein.  So, next time I show up to a food-based gathering with a really sexy looking salad you can check my triangle and believe me when I tell you that it is enough.

Recipes for completing your protein:
1, Peanut butter and Jelly on Whole Grain Anything
2. Fruit Smoothie with Silken Tofu and Flax seed or almonds or cashews or peanut butter
3. Whole Grain Rice or Quinoa with beans, tomatoes, corn and some lime juice

Easiest chains to find and be vegan:
Chipolte,  Qdoba, Subway (choose wholegrain bread or wraps), most Asian Restaurants.