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Vegetarian Cooking - Where do I get my Protein?
One of the biggest question people ask when starting on a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle is "Where do I get my protein?" For years, we have brainwashed and programmed by the meat industry (and yes, by the U.S. Goverment) that meat, especially red meat, is the best source of protein. What they fail to mention, is that meat is the easiest way to pick up disease and sickness! If meat was such a good source of protein, why are some of the largest animals on the planet vegetarians?
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All one has to do is to look at the elephant, one of the largest land mammals to see that the protein in meat is not necessary to grow large and strong. Elephants get all their protein from plants (vegetables and leaves). They don't have any problems thriving on plant protein.
Another argument, from weightlifters and body builders is that to grow strong, you need protein from meat and animal products. Again, untrue! One of the strongest mammals in the world is the gorilla. And the gorilla is a vegetarian! Gorillas get all their protein from plants, vegetables, and fruits.
So what are some good sources of protein for vegetarians? A good rule of thumb is that if it is green, it has good protein. Brocolli, for example, has as much protein as a steak dinner. Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and swiss chard also have lots of easily digestible protein. The problem some people have is they don't like to eat "salads." They think it is wimpy! They have this image that sald eaters are weak and feeble!
An option, then, would be a green smoothie. If you are a bodybuilder accustomed to your protein drinks, simply make yourself a green protein drink and consume that after your workout to add protein to your diet. Take some spinach, kale, or swiss chard and mix it with some fruits like apples, or juicy vegetables like carrots, throw it all in your blender, and mix it all up. It will be better tasting than that chemical concotion protein powder, and it will provide as much protein and have even more nutrients that you can imagine.
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