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Why do we need good quality protein sources?
When people talk about adding more protein to their diet, some automatically think of athletes and gym rats. But for those with nutritional deficiencies, gut issues, or liver dysfunction, adding protein can be a good addition to your diet.
I am all about balance when it comes to diet. I don’t like to cut out or overload on any particular food group. Most people are slow oxidizers, which means that they need more protein than most people. Many people are also suffering with protein deficiencies because they lack the stomach acid to digest and utilize protein properly. This is where collagen and whey come in- they are both easily digested for those with compromised guts!
Protein helps to balance your blood sugar and it helps your adrenals and thyroid. Everyone is different- there is no perfect diet unfortunately. Many experts suggest less fats for slow oxidizers, but the main issue with that is that the adrenals run off of fats! A lot of people actually have a fat deficiency because of avoiding fat their whole lives, thanks to the lies told about nutrition. But that’s another story!
So for protein, it could be helpful for people to add a protein powder or even gelatin to help make up for what is lacking in the diet. Honestly, there are only so many eggs you can eat in a day!
Gelatin
Gelatin is mostly known for its gut healing properties but it is also a great source of natural protein and amino acids.
“Gelatin is just a processed version of a structural protein called collagen that is found in many animals, including humans. Collagen makes up almost one-third of all the protein in the human body. Collagen is a fibrous protein that strengthens the body’s connective tissues and allows them to be elastic, that is, to stretch without breaking. As you get older, your body makes less collagen, and individual collagen fibers become increasingly cross-linked with each other. You might experience this as stiff joints from less flexible tendons, or wrinkles due to loss of skin elasticity.” (source)
I’ve had great experiences using Perfect Supplements Collagen and Gelatin. Making your own bone broth is another great way to add gelatin to your diet. You can add collagen to soups, broth, tea, and anything else you can hide it in to help get the benefits of it.
Read my whole post on Collagen/Gelatin here!
Whey Protein
I’ve been hearing a lot about whey protein over the last few years. Apparently whey protein helps you build muscle, lose fat, and helps your body create glutathione which is a very important antioxidant. There is also some evidence that whey protein can help treat and prevent cancer, HIV, cardiovascular disease, hepatitis, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
It’s important to find whey protein that is from grass-fed cattle, minimally processed, and has nothing artificial added to it. Some brands even add soy to their whey- be on the lookout!
I’ve found 4 good kinds to give you an idea on what to look for:
- 100% Pure Naked Whey
- Natural Force Organic Whey Protein– (flavored with vanilla and stevia)
- 100% Pure Naked Goat Whey– made from goat’s milk for those that are sensitive to cow’s milk
- Raw Grass Fed Whey
- Whole Food’s also has a great store brand of grass-fed whey, and Tera’s Whey is also amazing. Just look for undenatured, grass-fed, and preferably organic!
Plant Based Protein Powders
Collagen and whey are my first choices for protein “powders” but if plant based is more your thing, I would recommend this awesome one from Perfect Supplements. Perfect Plant Protein is a mix of pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, and sacha inchi. It’s PACKED with nutrients, highly digestible, and tastes good too!
Protein from foods
The easiest way to get more protein is to stock your fridge and cabinet with healthy, high protein foods. Eggs, beef, chicken, fish and dairy are all great as long as they are from quality sources. Beans are a great source of protein for those that tolerate them. Nuts and seeds are the easiest snacks to keep around for when you are hungry and need a boost. Almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds are especially high in protein.
It’s also a good idea to make your own snacks to ensure that you always have some food handy when you need it. Check out Pinterest for ideas on homemade granola bars!
I know that it can be hard to always stay on track with healthy eating. Protein is extremely important for everyone, especially slow oxidizers! HTMA shows us our oxidation rate- read more here.
The body is a whole and we must treat it as such! I have my Bachelor of Science in Natural Health Sciences, certificates in Herbal Studies from Herbal Academy, and I am constantly learning more about health to help my clients and followers.
My goal is to help you unleash your own inner healer! You already hold the power to heal inside you. My role is as a guide to help you realize this potential.