Incorporating Protein Into A Plant Based Diet

Protein is having a moment with many plant focused followers opting to incorporating more of the macro nutrient, turning their heads to a more paleo approach to plant based living.

As a devote vegan for many years, the last few have looked a little different in my diet. After running into a few health complications (not blaming the vegan diet, may not be related) and being advised to add more digestible sources of protein such as, eggs fish and organic raw dairy. I have only seen positive improvements in my healing journey and overall wellbeing.

A question I get asked often is “How Do You Incorporate Protein Into Your Diet After Being Plant Based?“

My Answer…… low and slow with being intentional and intuitive.

My biggest suggestion for a transition is to opt for the highest quality sources. Choosing to shop at farmers markets or from local growers. Not all animal products are produced to the same standard or quality and this will be reflected in the price. You are paying for higher animal welfare, kinder working environments and less environmental impact and that for me is worth the price tag.

A reason many people opt for a vegan diet is due to environmental and animal welfare reasons. When I first when vegan it was solely for saving the animals and the planet. A year of frozen vegan substitutes left me feeling unwell in my body and fogged in my mind. I knew that what I was eating had to change but I was hesitant to go back to eating animal products so I strived to aim for a whole food- plant based lifestyle. This made me feel great….. for a while however time takes its tool and after blood work results I realised the lack of some minerals I had. This then leaded me on a path with supplementation and what I couldn’t get from the food I would take in a capsule. I am not saying that protein and blood work cannot be balanced on a vegan diet however, it does take careful planning and selective supplementation.

If you are anything like me, I like to be intuitive with my food choices and this form of planning and preparation felt far from natural too me. From here I had to get back to my roots and simplify my diet. This looked like eating local seasonal and simple foods. I began to eat more like my heritage and found my body reacting well. This looked like including fresh local eggs, wild fish and dairy from near by ethical farms. With this approach and seeing the production behind local simple food I realised their was no cruelty to the food that I was eating and started to connect with passionate local produce suppliers.

The impact on your body will not take long to feel, you may experience more steady energy levels, less cravings, deeper sleep, quicker recovery, stronger nails and hair and a faster metabolism. Other benefits of including complete protein sources include:

• Increases your muscle mass and strength.
• Strengthens your bones.
• Improves sleep.
• Promotes weight loss.

Go where your body is asking you to go, get curious and ask yourself what is the best way your can support your wellness. Is this incorporating more protein into your plant focused diet? It might just be the answer.