Is plant-based protein just as beneficial?
Why you should consider switching up your protein sources
- Written by Joe Jackson
We all know that conventional wisdom in the fitness and health industry suggests the best way to improve your body composition and strength is to eat a diet consisting of a lot of protein - specifically animal-based protein. And lots of it. And whilst protein is extremely essential as part of a balanced diet, the great debate of the last few years lies in whether the best way to get your daily intake is from meat-based foods or plant sources.
We have certainly seen veganism increase in popularity in recent times with many athletes actually choosing to turn away from their heavily meat-based diets. And even if you're not quite ready to give up your steak yet, there are amazing benefits in switching up your protein sources for your gut health - and also for the environment!
Meat-based protein is definitely more easily accessible and has a very high protein content per serving. This makes getting your recommended daily amount pretty easy.
However, although plant foods contain a smaller amount of protein, this doesn't mean you cannot reach your required protein quota. Here are some examples of where you can get high levels of plant-based protein:
· Black beans (15g per cup)
· Lentils (18g per cup)
· Chickpeas (14.5g per cup)
· Oatmeal (14g per cup)
· Spirulina (4g per TBSP)
If you are still struggling to get your recommended amount through your food, supplementing may just be the easiest way forward. There are more and more vegan protein powders popping up on the market, including our Plant Power blend, which is filled with all the good stuff, and tastes delicious! Protein powders allow for a quick and convenient serving of protein throughout the day mixed into smoothies, recipes, or just shaken with water to allow for a quick hit. If you are struggling for inspiration look no further than the Truth team smoothies recipes!
How can plant-based protein help the environment?
The environmental and ethical problems associated with the over-farming of animals have been detailed in many articles and books. One of the most comprehensive of which is Farmageddon: The True Cost of Cheap Meat by Isabel Oakeshott and Philip Lymbery.
This investigative story places farming in the wider context of globalization, exploring farming practices in UK, China, USA, and Peru, to name but a few. It acts as a call to arms for us to find a better way of farming in the future.
If we can all make small changes with our food choices we can make a massive positive impact. Choosing plant-based protein for one or more of your daily meals might just be the easiest and best start on this journey.
How can plant-based protein help the environment?
The environmental and ethical problems associated with the over-farming of animals have been detailed in many articles and books. One of the most comprehensive of which is Farmageddon: The True Cost of Cheap Meat by Isabel Oakeshott and Philip Lymbery.
This investigative story places farming in the wider context of globalization, exploring farming practices in UK, China, USA, and Peru, to name but a few. It acts as a call to arms for us to find a better way of farming in the future.
If we can all make small changes with our food choices we can make a massive positive impact. Choosing plant-based protein for one or more of your daily meals might just be the easiest and best start on this journey.
So, what are athletes saying:
Protein is a fundamental part of any athlete's diet. It affects both energy levels, and most importantly, recovery time. There has certainly been a growth in “plant-powered” athletes thanks to David Carter and ultramarathoner Scott Jurek. It has since filtered more widely into the mainstream with athletes such as Lewis Hamilton advocating a vegan diet.
The 2018 controversial documentary, Game Changers, is just one notable depiction of athletes adopting this diet. Within the documentary athletes such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jackie Chan, Lewis Hamilton, Novak Djokovic and Chris Pau detail their experiences.
Another famous example is Venus Williams who spoke about how the vega diet helped to prolong her career. In an interview with Health she stated;
“I literally couldn’t play tennis anymore, so it really changed my life. Because it was starting to take away what I loved, I had to make some changes, I had to change my life. Thankfully, I was able to find something that helped me get back to doing what I loved.” (1)
Whilst the Truth team support all dietary choices we are firm believers in supporting the environment, and versatility of plant choices. We hope this inspires you to bring more plants into your diet!
Any topics you would like to hear more on?
Email talk@truthorigins.co.uk
References
1) https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-food/plant-powered-athletes-you-need-to-know/#:~:text=Thanks%20to%20plant%2Dpowered%20athletes,t%20have%20to%20be%20hard.
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