Protein primarily feeds the muscle tissue, aids in repair and growth of the muscle tissue, and assists in the body’s physical performance. When the protein leaves the stomach, it has been broken down into amino acids and carries oxygen throughout the body. We rely on food for our nine essential amino acids. Those are the ones our bodies cannot manufacture on its own. Our bodies do have the capabilities to produce other amino acids without getting them from food.
It takes longer for the body to break down protein than sugars or carbohydrates, so protein keeps us fuller for a longer period of time. Protein uses up more energy in the digestion process too. Therefore, we burn more calories just by eating protein calories! Fat, however, keeps us fuller the longest of the three macronutrients; fat, carbohydrates, and protein.
I like more bang for my buck, so to speak. I like the most protein grams per portion of food. If it is a low fat option of a high protein source, I feel free to add a healthy fat to the meal.
My favorite sources of whole food protein are wild caught fish and seafood, alligator, pastured chicken, and pastured eggs. My favorite supplemental foods for protein are raw dairy foods, Quest protein bars, organic gelatin powder, plain, nonfat Greek yogurt, 100 % egg protein powder, Pure Protein brand (35 gram) vanilla shake, raw nuts, seeds, and coconut. Vegetables have protein too, research the highest protein sources on the web for a good variety of vegetables with protein. Remember, variety is key!
I don’t include beans in my diet because they take a lot of soaking and preparing for us to be able to digest them properly. They have way too much gas producing properties for me, and the carbohydrate load is way higher than the well advertised protein portion of beans. Then we have to look at the bioavailability of the human body to absorb the protein from beans. Some are better than others, but the body is trying to reject the bean in some way in order to cause such digestive distress (gas, bloating, diarrhea, etc.).
Notice the division between whole food proteins and supplemental proteins. One group is perfect for on-the-go days, and the other takes care and preparation. Of course the leftovers become the next day’s on-the-run, grab-and-go food! It is a combination of the proteins, fats, vegetables, and fruits that work in beautiful symbiosis creating optimum health. Also note that some foods overlap into more than one nutrient area. A superior health leads to superior self, in more ways than one. Your radiant energy will emerge, and others will benefit from that energy. It is inevitable. The math with love and energy doesn’t always make common sense. The more love and energy I feel, the more love and energy I have to give. And when I give it away, there’s no subtraction of love and energy. I just keep gaining more! You will too.
Blessings,
KJ Landis