If you are trying to eat healthy and avoid meat like I am, you have probably encountered your share of skeptics.  The most common question that I hear is,  “How do you get enough protein?”  It may surprise some of you to learn that most Americans eat too much protein and put their kidneys at risk by doing so.  Protein requirements may vary slightly but Dr. Joel Fuhrman, M.D. has shared a simple calculation in his book “Eat to Live” that will help you determine how much protein you really need.  All you need is a calculator.  Multiply 0.36 (grams) by your body weight.  For a 120 lb woman, this would mean she would need about 44 grams of protein per day.  For a 150 lb man, 54 grams of protein would be enough.  The average American consumes between 100 to 120 grams of protein every day, most of which are from some type of animal product.  The danger in eating too much protein is that the kidneys may become stressed resulting in malfunctioning of the filtering system.  Kidney stones can also develop as a result of excess protein along with osteoporosis, obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

You may be surprised to learn that protein from plants contains the same 22 amino acids as animal proteins.  All plants require structure to grow and it is protein that provides the basic component of their cell structure.

So, contrary to popular opinion, one can be a vegetarian and still get enough protein.  Most nutritionists and physicians report that protein deficiency is very rare in the United States and is usually only seen in developing countries where there is famine and severe food shortages.

Some say variety is the spice of life and a vegan/vegetarian diet can certainly fall into this category.  Most vegans enjoy a plant-based diet and eat a variety of foods including whole grains, fruits, beans, vegetables, nuts, and tofu.  Here is a list of just a few of the non-meat sources of high protein:  Black Beans (15 gm. protein/cup), Baked Potato (5 gm. Protein), Peanut Butter (7-9 gm. protein/2 Tb.),  Extra Firm Tofu (12 gm. protein/3 oz), Medium Artichoke (4 gm. Protein).

I would encourage you to explore a plant-based diet if you haven’t already and gradually reduce the amount of meat you are eating.  I believe you will notice an empowering difference in your energy, your overall health, and your food budget will likely decrease!

In Success & Spiritual Empowerment…

The Empowered Entrepreneurial Magnets

About Martin Casper

Social Media Marketing Strategist Providing Mentoring & Development To A Broad Spectrum Of Clientele. Strong Entrepreneurial Mindset And "Outside The Box" Thinker That Harnesses The Power Of Digital Marketing To Drive Multiple Income Streams. Currently Co-Authoring A Book On Digital Marketing. Provided Creative Social Media & Marketing Solutions To Real Estate Professionals While Building A Successful Real Estate Business for Realty One Group. Specialties: Internet Marketing l Social Media Marketing l Social Media Consulting & Management l Social Media Training l Digital Marketing l Blogging l Business Development Coaching l Personal & Corporate Branding l Web 2.0 | Real Estate | Distressed Properties | Commercial Real Estate Acquisitions | Vegan Lifestyles | Health & Fitness | Personal Empowerment. Martin has created his own unique style of helping others build an entrepreneurial lifestyle for themselves as Empowered Entrepreneurial Magnets. Martin is passionate about health and is very concerned about the lifestyles of Americans along with the growing health challenges they are facing. Martin is building a grass roots effort to change lives, one person at a time. Martin's organization, "Empowered 4 Life", is a platform that provides solutions to empower lives through core principles of diet, fitness, spiritual & emotional health. Martin challenges each of you to find out what you are passionate about and commit to embracing that passion fully. Become an Empowered Entrepreneurial Magnet. "By Empowering Others, You Will Empower Yourself".

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