The only question vegans are tired of answering

I was a vegetarian almost all my life and vegan for a few years, but at that time, I was asked ONE question more than any other. And I'm here to tell you that it's both irritating and incredibly misplaced: where do you get your protein?

Facepalm. In truth, I'm pretty sure I do not know where I'll take my protein before I stop eating meat, that was the media obsession with meat and protein. With protein-rich diets often made up of "lean chicken" or fish at every meal, it's understandable that many of us are puzzled as to where to get this important macro food, to use another term irritant.

And the food market is flooded with protein shakes, protein bars and protein balls that provide all the energy needed for sports prowess. It is no wonder that many of us feel that our diet is lacking without an abundance of powerful products.

But as with all things marketing, it's extremely important to read behind the headlines. Never again if you change your diet to something new, exciting, and perhaps a little unknown.

The success of Veganuary in 2019

My first indication that there was literally nothing wrong with my diet was a very healthy pregnancy. Secondly, I have never felt healthier or more active. When I adopted the herbal diet in 2016, veganism was on the rise, but not to the extent that it is now. this year, a quarter of a million people have registered to eat vegan for 30 days Veganuary, the best year since the launch of the campaign in 2014.

I have never made the official vegan commitment myself, but every year I am amazed by the growing number of people who are signing up and by hosts of popular herbal people; athletes such as boxer David Haye to cyclists and runners, it is quite possible to achieve great sporting achievements without the protein sources of meat. In fact, many say they have improved their fitness since this change.

So there are more people than ever who choose plants over meat, but the endless question and the myths remain. And the protein myth is perhaps the most innocuous of the group. Veganuary thinks that this proliferation has been estimated via an erroneous estimate of daily allowances. "Our fascination with proteins stems from the erroneous recommendations made in the beginning by dietitians," stressing that it was advisable for people to eat, "double what we really need, according to current government recommendations. . "In fact, these high protein diets can be problematic, as reported in a recent Guardian article about our obsession with proteins.

How much protein do I need?

So, how much do we really need to eat to survive? I spoke to Samantha Gill, a research scientist in nutrition sciences at King's College London, who gave me lean. She said that "contrary to popular belief, it is quite possible to meet your protein needs daily while following a vegan diet."

Now, you may feel calmed by the fact that you almost certainly get the protein you need …. * Suppresses the pink protein shake *, but can we just talk about the protein point, please? Because even though I know I have enough and you probably have it too, I also know that proteins play an important role in the daily functioning of our body.

The vegan society "Proteins give our body a structure that is part of our muscles and bones. It is also used to fight infections, carry oxygen, promote growth and repair infections. "So, it's important to ensure that our diet stays healthy.

Herbal foods packed with protein

But how? Well, if you've recently started an herbal diet, you may still be able to get acquainted with the scrambled tofu and the magic of yeast food without worrying too much about protein. So when you are asked this inevitable question, which, you will be asked, do not worry; There is a HEAP of herbal foods packed with protein.

"For the general healthy population, provided you mix the foods and have a wide variety of plant-based foods in your daily diet (beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, cereals such as quinoa, soy, herbal products). milk), you will usually get all the protein your body needs, "says Dr. Kelly.

Vegan chef Benarsh Laly is familiar with creating delicious vegan nutritious foods for his vegan recipe box Leafychef. He explains that "people often assume that a diet without animal products will result in a gradual loss of food for lack of protein, forgetting that protein is found in ALL herbal foods!" "

He adds: "20% to 40% of the calories in beans, broccoli and spinach come from protein and even avocados draw 7% of their calories from protein.

So the next time you catch that protein bar, stop and take a jar of hummus instead, knowing that you get a lot of protein, even as a vegan.

Writer: Lucy Lucraft