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Most of us believe that more protein is necessary for increased strength and fitness and higher energy. This is a common myth, accepted without question, that has been perpetuated in the last fifty or more years. And in today’s commercial climate of the advertising and the promotion of meat, dairy products, protein drinks, protein shakes, protein bars, and fitness gurus, perhaps you may find yourself wondering: “Don’t we need more protein for strength and energy?” We do not need to eat meat protein in order to grow big, strong muscles and to generate more energy. Plant foods provide all the protein we need for healthy, strong muscles. And as far as energy, our best sources of energy are not provided by protein at all. You can do the research in some basic biology or nutrition books to find out what foods provide strength and energy, or just look to nature for some common sense answers. What is one of the biggest mammals on this planet? Does an elephant immediately come to mind? What food sources provide this animal with great, big, strong muscles and more than enough energy? Plant foods! Elephants don’t eat cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, eggs, milk, cheese, or fish to get their protein to grow big, powerful muscles and to boost their energy. Elephants eat plant foods. If elephants can eat and thrive on only plant foods, don’t you think that you, with your relatively little muscles and little body, can thrive on plant foods also? Of course you can. When in doubt about what foods are necessary for human health, just ask the elephants! And as far as energy is concerned, what are the very best food sources for fuel and energy. Protein is NOT nature’s most efficient source of fuel and energy for our bodies. Carbohydrates are the most efficient sources of fuel and energy for the human body. Contrary to common belief and the doctrines of so many loudly touted and very lucrative weight loss programs and diets, carbohydrates are not the bad guys, even though they have certainly gotten a bum rap in the last while. Unrefined plant sources of carbohydrates in the form of whole, fresh fruits and vegetables, along with whole grains and beans, are our best sources of fuel and energy. They are also the best sources of nutrition for human health and overall fitness. Yes, it is best not to eat refined carbs in the form of refined breads, cookies, cakes, desserts, baked goods, candy, or anything at all made with white sugar and white flour. Because human beings get most of their energy from unrefined plant sources of carbohydrates, unrefined plant sources, if you don’t eat enough unrefined carbohydrates, then you will, among many other problems, feel tired. Those people who go on high protein diets, after a while, have a common complaint—they get very tired. Why? Because they load up on animal protein, a poor source of fuel and energy, and they cut way back on the best food sources for energy—carbohydrates from unrefined plant foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans). Furthermore, high-protein dieters often crave and binge on refined carbohydrate goodies. These cravings are the body’s way of telling them that they are not getting something they need through the foods they are eating. In this case, it is the unrefined carbohydrates. However, rather than grabbing a few pieces of fresh fruit or a big, green-leafy vegetable salad, these people typically grab the goodies that are so very accessible and edible. What is the percentage of carbohydrates in plant foods?
On the contrary, what is the percentage of carbohydrates in animal foods?
That’s right. Animal foods contain protein and fat, not to mention the cholesterol, but no carbohydrates. Knowing what you know now, what foods provide the most efficient sources of energy? Plant foods or animal foods? That’s right. Plant foods. Compare your body to a car. The protein, which makes up the structure of the cells, can be compared to the engine in a car. The carbohydrates can be compared to the gas you put into the engine. Want to get your engine, or your body, running faster and more efficiently? Fill up with plant foods. Plant foods give us all the nutrients we need to enhance and maintain our bodies and our health. Plant foods are the keys to preventing diseases and promoting health and longevity. If you don’t believe me, just ask the elephants. E-mail Dr. Leslie at Dr.Leslie@DrLeslieVanRomer.com |
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