Meatless Protein

Branched-Chain Amino Acid or BCAAs = Amino Acids = Protein!

Not all amino acids are BCAAs but all BCAA's are proteins.  There are three BCAAs, leucine, isoleucine and valine.

Image Source: http://moicontrelavie.com

The human body needs 20 amino acids to thrive, however a healthy adult body naturally makes 12 of the 20 amino acids.  That leaves 8 amino acids out there waiting to be consumed.  There are many misconceptions including, all 8 essential amino acids cannot be consumed from a plant-based diet, that is not true.  Though consuming all 8 amino acids is not as simple as grilling a steak it is possible to attain ALL 8 amino acids with a BALANCED diet.  By eating grains, nuts, seeds, beans and legumes you can decrease the amount of meat you eat on a weekly basis.

I am NOT suggesting that anyone change their diet from meat to vegetarian OR vegetarian to meat, I'm just saying balance and information is key!

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

In 2012 Door To Door Organics found that Americans eat at least 12 ounces of meat per day. That is almost 50 per cent more than the recommend daily amount and as many of us now know too much meat can adversely impact your health.

Image Source: YogaEarth.com

What is in YOUR Pantry?

I have decreased my meat intake to 8 to 12 ounces a week.  That means when I am not eating meat I am consuming plant based protein.  My diet is not constricted to these listed foods however, these are my staple items:

Meatless Protein | Create infographics