I’m often asked, “Lisa, so, are you like, a vegan?”

I don’t like labels since I feel it puts people in a box, but to answer the q,  I am plant lover. I get pretty sick if I eat dairy, chicken, beef, etc… doesn’t go well with my digestive system. I also love animals and don’t want to do any harm to them. So the plant-based lifestyle works best for me.

And that is the key… “works best for me.” So as you navigate the clean life and eating more plants, always tune into your body and see what works best for YOU. Keep this in mind as you read on and know that I’m all about you feeling your best so if you eat ethical animal protein sources (ex. wild-caught fish, pastured eggs, etc…) and it works for your body, then go for it. I’m here to give you options in the plant-based world so you reap the rewards of feeling lighter, better digestion, clearer skin, more energy and awesome sleep (yes, eating more plant- based foods will balance things out so your body won’t have to work so hard- more time to GLOW!)

With all the nutrition information being thrown at us these days, it’s easy to agree on one thing:

We should all be eating lots of plants.

Not only does eating more plants improve our health, it can also help protect the planet and animals. It’s good for us all!

After I explain my veggie lovin’ mission, I am then asked, “Where do you get your protein if you aren’t eating meat?”

Before I go on, I want you to know, that you don’t have to completely give up animal protein. That’s not how I roll. Remember, we are doing things that work for our own individual bodies. BUT I would like you to consider reducing the amount of meat you eat daily.

Such as you can incorporate less meaty meals by doing a Meatless Monday or having 3-4 meals containing animal protein a week instead of the typical diet of eggs and bacon for breakfast, chicken salad sandwich for lunch, and then a pot roast for dinner with ice cream for that late night somethin’ somethin’. That’s way too much protein in just one day! And the worst part is, many do this EVERYDAY so over time our systems are taxed.

Animal protein is acidic so over time (and this can take awhile but it does happen) our blood cells become inflamed which leads to chronic illness such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer.

Therefore pumping the green goodness along with fruits, quinoa, veggies, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds, will help balancing things out on the cellular level.

BUT what about getting enough protein?

Is eating a kale salad enough to get what we need? Will I starve or wither away just eating that? Can I throw some chicken on it?
Protein is essential to our health, and it does a lot more than just help us build muscle. But how much protein do we really need? And can we get it from plants?

Use this formula:  your body weight x .40 =  appr. grams of protein

For example, a 130 lb person would want to aim for roughly 52 g of protein a day. This is just an estimate; remember, think of YOUR body here. It’s actually pretty easy to hit the daily requirement and keep you feeling nourished and satiated.

Take in consideration of body size, weight, and how much activity you do. Too much protein is hard on the organs with toxic by-products and hormones with a potential to spike blood sugar. Too little protein can cause dizziness as well as a drop in blood sugar.
Before I give you some ideas on what plant-based foods to incorporate in your routine, I want to talk about proteins.

What is a complete protein?

A complete protein refers to foods that contain all 9 of the necessary amino acids that your body can’t produce on its own. You only need to consume all of the 9 in your day so you can either do it in one meal or throughout the day.

For example, you can eat brown rice at one meal and then black beans at another and get your fill. Keep this in mind as you build your meals and snacks during the day.

Just an fyi, animal protein contains all 9. There are plant-based foods that also contain all 9 amino acids (noted below).

Here are some delicious plant-based foods that will help you reach your daily requirement and keep you feeling nourished and fueled (many make an appearance during the Raw Renewal 7 Detox. Hip hip!):

1. Lentils (18 grams per cup)

Lentils provide lots of protein and packed with fiber to keep your heart and belly happy. Add them in chili, soups and eat by themselves. Lentils are cheap, too! You can a package of lentils for about $2.99 a pound.

2. Peas (8 grams per cup)

Peas are packed with protein, fiber, essential nutrients like Vitamin K. Throw them into salads or blend into soups.

3. Hemp seeds (*complete protein – 10 grams per 1/4 cup or 3 Tbsp.)

Add hemp seeds to smoothies and top on salads for extra anti-inflammatory omega 3, calcium and iron.

4. Pumpkin seeds (*complete protein- 8 grams per 1/4 cup or 3 Tbsp.)

Along with protein and healthy fat, pumpkin seeds are great sources of magnesium and zinc which support the heart and nervous system.

5. Broccoli (5 grams per cup)

Veggies have protein, why yes! Broccoli is a great source of fiber and can be eaten raw or steamed. You can make a broccoli soup with 2 cups and get 10 grams of protein for your meal.

6. Tahini (3 grams per 1 Tbsp.)

Tahini is a paste made of sesame seeds and it’s the main ingredient for making hummus. You an use tahini as a salad dressing and also a dip for your veggies

7. Chickpeas (20 grams per half cup)

Another hummus ingredient, chickpeas are gluten- free and can be added to just about any dish. I have these babies stocked in my pantry .

Try this chickpea salad recipe and download your Plant-Based Protein Guide>>> Protein Cheat Sheet

8.  Quinoa (*complete protein- 9 grams per 1 cup)

I make a batch of this psueodo-grain and keep for meals during the week. Throw it in a soup for extra ooomph or add raisins, fresh fruit and coconut milk to make a breakfast treat.

 

Wanna make some plant-based magic?

Let’s make a recipe from the NEW Raw Renewal 7 Day Detox menu (SNEAK PEEK ALERT!):

NOTE:

*I didn’t include protein powders because I wanted to discuss foods that actually look like food.  I will do a fun protein powder article for you soon, I promise!

* I also didn’t add and fake meats and soy because it’s highly controversial. Soy can wreak havoc on hormone levels and most of the crops are genetically modified (loaded with pesticides).

 

What plant-based food are you digging right now? 

 PS. Join   Raw Renewal 7 Day Detox   and eat plant-based protein for every meal!

Protein Crunch is a signature meal of the summer Raw Renewal 7 Day Detox. All recipes are plant-based, clean, anti-inflammatory and RAW. No dirty pots and pans!   Brand NEW menu plus my coaching included in your program!

Click to sign up for your detox menu plan, shopping lists, recipes, coaching, group support, and more >>> Raw Renewal Detox

LIVE GROUP STARTS JULY 23rd!!!!

Animal protein isn’t the only acidic thing to think about. Caffeine, sugar, processed low-fat stuff, gluten, and dairy also cause inflammation.

If you’re not signed up yet and are looking for a fresh start, take a look at my popular detox program (a.k.a. the “I can eat!” cleanse) and join us for the LIVE group on July 23rd.

Click to read more>>>

You’ll be feeling energized, clear, light (especially in the tummy), and all-around healthy and clean with Raw Renewal! I’ve been leading this detox program now for over 5 years and the response is amazing! AND you’ll get tons of protein in your meals, too!