Protein is an essential component in a balanced diet. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions circulating about the amount of protein needed to stay healthy. You need to make sure you are getting enough amino acids into your diet. If you are following a raw food diet, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure you have all the protein your body needs to stay healthy.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Knowing the Amount of Protein Your Body Needs
The first step in finding the right amount of protein to eat is knowing how much your body needs for optimal functioning.
Step 1. Know what percentage of calories you need to eat and they must come from protein
For the average person, only about 5% of their daily calories need to come from protein. That said, some doctors believe that even this value is a bit overestimated.
Step 2. Keep in mind that most doctors agree that there is no protein deficiency in those who follow a well-balanced diet
When an individual is not getting an adequate amount of nutrients, the problem arises because he is not consuming enough total calories; if you get all the calories you need, it is almost impossible for you to develop a protein deficiency. If you follow a raw food diet, you can get your adequate amount of protein from natural plant foods. These foods help you consume the right amount of amino acids your body needs. If you don't consume enough calories from good, wholesome foods, your body can suffer.
Step 3. Be aware that there is a disease due to an excess of protein
Too much protein can cause a host of digestive and health problems. Make sure you stick to the 5% percentage and don't consume much more. If you exceed this percentage too much, your body doesn't get all the other nutrients it needs.
Method 2 of 2: Know Which Foods to Eat to Ensure the Right Protein in a Raw Diet
There are some foods you can consume when following a raw food diet, to make sure you are getting the right amount of protein.
Step 1. Fill the plate with lots of green leafy vegetables
Green leafy vegetables and sprouts are the best foods to consume on a raw food diet. These two foods contain high amounts of protein, and eating them every day helps you a lot in your goal of achieving an optimal protein intake.
Step 2. Make healthy snacks with nuts
Walnuts, along with various seeds such as pumpkin seeds, can be an effective solution to guaranteeing your daily dose of protein.
- Brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds contain high amounts of protein.
- Hemp and flax seeds are also a great source of protein. Always carry them with you during the day when you want to have a healthy snack.
Step 3. Continue to eat all of your grains and fruits in your diet, but be aware that these are not the best sources of protein
Whole grains and fruit are a very important part of the diet, and are a great source of healthy carbohydrates and good sugars. However, they do not help you achieve the daily amount of protein needed to ensure a balanced raw food diet.
While most fruits don't contain high amounts of protein, there are some berry fruits that contain more protein than others. Berries such as goji and Inca berries are excellent sources of plant-based protein
Advice
- Consult other raw foodists. Talk to other people who are on a raw food diet and have some experience with it. Ask them what they eat to ensure the right amount of protein in their daily diet. They can be a great help for you, they can offer you some effective tips and recommend recipes.
- Consult your doctor about any diet changes you wish to make. He will be able to give you great advice and even set you a diet plan that will help you get the right amount of protein you need while following your raw food diet.
