How Much Protein Do You REALLY Need?

So... How Much Protein Do You REALLY Need?

By Belinda McCall, Founder of WomanBeeWell.com

Tell anyone that you are plant-based, pescatarian, vegetarian, or vegan, and get ready to answer the question:

How do get enough protein?!

With many popular diets including Atkins, Paleo, and Keto that heavily focus on protein intake, it's no wonder everyone is wondering where us plant-lovers get our protein from.

Let's get two things clear right now: 1. Animal protein isn't the only protein in the world. 2. We are so far from being protein deficient that it's ridiculous!

We can all agree that protein plays a major role in the body. Not only does it enable you to build muscle, but it's also used to make organs, skin, hormones, and even all-important neurotransmitters that make it possible for your body to function and move.

You need protein for their amino acids. Your body makes some of the needed amino acids to function, but not all of them. The ones we don't make are called "essential amino acids".

Most animal proteins, including fish, dairy, and eggs, provide all essential amino acids and are called "complete proteins" for this reason. There are also complete plant-proteins!

WomanBeeWell focuses on 90%+ plant-based nutrition for optimal wellness, so it's important to know these sources. (listed below!)

The DRI (Dietary Reference Intake) 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight. For example, if I weigh 140lbs, then I generally need around 50 grams of protein daily.

The DRI is a general recommendation. It is important to pay attention to how you actually feel on a daily basis. You may need more or less protein depending on your level of daily activity.

COMPLETE SOURCES OF PLANT PROTEIN

Soy including: Edamame, Tofu, Soy Milk, Tempeh Buckwheat (cooked) Hempseed Amaranth Quinoa Chia Seeds Spirulina

Other Sources of Plant Protein

Lentils Seitan Chickpeas Black Beans (and Other) Green Peas Nutritional Yeast Spelt (cooked) Oatmeal (cooked) Wild Rice Nut Butters

Just like I don't enjoy calorie counting, I don't enjoy counting the grams of protein I consume to make sure I hit a recommended target. I just pay attention to how I feel and adjust accordingly to keep myself feeling great!

Have you ever heard of Lil Bucks? They provide 5-6 grams of plant-based protein per serving, are crunchy and delicious! See their ad on page 15 of this issue of WomanBeeWell Magazine.

Written by Belinda McCall, Founder of WomanBeeWell.com

Belinda McCall is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist and the Founder of WomanBeeWell.com and WomanBeeWell Magazine. She believes that wellness looks different for every woman and strives to help each woman uniquely shine her brightest. Subscribe to WomanBeeWell Magazine for free, get nutrition and mindset tips, plant-based recipes, and more at her website: http://womanbeewell.com/