Dani On The Loose

  • HOME
  • START HERE
    • START HERE
    • Affiliate Disclosure
  • CONTACT
  • Programs & E-Books
    • GGOTG Reset
    • GREEN GIRL ON THE GO PROGRAM
    • GREEN GIRL AT HOME RECIPE E-BOOK
    • Green Girl On The Go CLEAN BEAUTY GUIDE
  • HEALTH COACHING SERVICES
  • BLOG
    • Vegan Nutrition FAQs
    • Plant based Recipes
    • Clean Beauty
    • Travel
    • City Restaurant Guides
    • Nontoxic Home
    • Sakara
    • DOTERRA ESSENTIAL OILS
  • AMAZON SHOP
  • Discount Codes
  • SEARCH

Will I Get Enough Protein Without Meat?

June 15, 2020

Will I Get Enough Protein Without Meat?

Hi gang. I was inspired to share this post because this is the #1 question I receive on a daily basis (from fearful people) about going plant-based. And look, I want to start this off by saying, I totally get it. I 100% relate to you. It can be scary. So what can you do? What I did! Educate yourself. And then test it out. Even as a vegan diet becomes more and more accepted into society with the bounty of research popping up everyday in support of this diet being the best for your health, the animals, and the future of our planet, people still get scared off due to the p word.

Now I’m not here to be your doctor and you should definitely consult with them when making any lifestyle changes, but I am here to maybe get a little controversial and tell you point blank that from my own research and through my training as a holistic health practitioner, I’m pretty 99.99999% sure no one in the history of the world has ever died of protein deficiency. So, let’s dive in, shall we?

Will I Get Enough Protein Without Meat?

We need protein. No doubt about that. It’s the basic building block of the human body. Every day our body is throwing away old cells and making new ones. Protein is the nutrient responsible for growing those new ones. It builds muscle, helps our hair and nails grow, makes important hormones, and even red blood cells!

So how do we get it?

From little building blocks called amino acids. These tiny little lego thangs make protein. Ok, cue my white lab coat and chic glasses. Let’s get scientific. There are 20 different amino acids. The body can make 12 of them on its own but we need to get the other 8 from food. Meat is often referred to as a “complete protein” because it contains all 8 of them. 

BUT, there are plant-based proteins that also contain all 8 of these amino acids and we don’t harm our health, the animals, or the future of our planet with this form! Yay. Win win am I right? ALSO, you by no means have to get all 8 of these essential amino acids from just one source.  Our bodies know how to put together all these acids so you don’t even have to get them all in the same meal. Almost every PLANT contains proteins, so it’s just going to be really, really hard to be protein deficient. 

We’re actually much more likely to get too much protein because the body doesn’t store it. The liver and kidneys are the major detoxifying organs of the body and when they can’t eliminate protein, they get overworked and then can’t get other junk out of you that they need to process. This can be like environmental toxins in the air we breathe, chemicals from our personal care products, nasty shiz in our food & water supply, processed food, prescription drugs, and more. You get the picture. They are important. You know what kind of stuff is linked to excess protein? Cancer, heart disease, etc etc etc etc until infinity etc. Yikes.

Where can I get protein on a PB (plant based) diet then?

First and foremost, from beans! It doesn’t have to be tofu all day err day. Although, I know that’s what most people immediately think of, along with the eater of said tofu being a hippie and crunchy granola type person. It’s ok, admit it. I certainly thought this! LOLZ-ing to myself rn thinking back as I type this. So, legumes are the key (peas, beans, and even peanuts! Ya that’s not a typo- a peanut is a legume, not a nut. Did I just blow your mind?) These are called incomplete proteins since they don’t have all 8 essential amino acids but you are totally fine. Let me repeat, you are TOTALLY FINE. You’re actually way better than fine. Just eat a mix of all these options! In addition to beans, nuts, grains, and seeds all contain plant protein as well. 

Ok cool but what are some plant based proteins that are complete?

Well for starters, soybean products are a complete source of protein just like meat and again, just like meat, contain all 8 essential amino acids. Tofu and tempeh are healthy and nutritious soybean products (despite what you may have heard. I could seriously do a whole other post on the topic of soy so leave a comment below if you want this broken down as well.) Seitan is also an option and is made from the gluten of whole wheat. This is almost pure protein!

(PS I know gluten has a bad rap in the market right now (kind of how fats used to be considered all bad in the early 90’s and now we understand that healthy fats are amazing and don’t actually make us fat! Like, LOLZ. Gimme all the avocados you know?) I will say though, I personally am currently experimenting with being gluten-free since it is such a common allergen due to being consumed for so many years in an over-processed form, so I abstain from seitan. 

Secondly, bring on the chickpeas! Love me a chickpea and love me what they are most well known for- hummus. Lastly, quinoa is your new bff as it is also a complete plant source of protein. Game changer. Check out my OG quinoa salad recipe for some ideas.

So, what does this look like in everyday life?

Well, you’ll see with my recipes I try to always add one source of protein to each meal- whether it’s hummus, cashew butter, plant-based pea or brown rice protein powder, etc. This is the kind of information I help my clients learn and apply. 

Oh and guess what peeps? Protein has never been an issue for me. I even have the bloodwork to prove it. Also, there are countless functional medicine doctors, dieticians, and more who will agree and have even more research to prove it. As an additional resource, feel free to check out Dr. Neal Barnard’s books like “The Vegan Starter Kit,” (on Amazon & wherever else you get your books).

Ok, as we wrap this up, I also wanted to share this example from The Kind Diet, by Alicia Silverstone, who I turned to for nutritional information and scientific research that holds true as inspo for this post. If you are interested in any of the studies from this post, feel free to check out the index of that book! Other sources worth mentioning: Elsa’s Wholesome Life who is a plant-based dietician and nutritionist.

Steak vs Beans

Steak vs Beans

Ok, thanks for bearing with me! Sorry to get all preachy but educating not only myself, but you all, my people, on topics such as this is something I am very passionate about. Stepping off my soap box for now. Again, I know it can be a lil’ scary but you will feel empowered the more you educate yourself. And if you need help, please, reach out to me here!!!

I have so many other topics like this I would love to provide information on. We can talk about how to get enough iron, where calcium comes from on a plant-based diet, what’s the deal with soy, GMOs, and so on and so forth. Let me know what you want the next topic to be in the comments below!

Until next time,

XOXO 

Dani

Leave a Comment · Health Coaching, Vegan Nutrition FAQs

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

SUBSCRIBE BY EMAIL

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?

WELCOME, HERE IS WHAT YOU’LL FIND AT DANI ON THE LOOSE

HOLISTIC HEALTH AND WELLNESS FOR THE GREEN GIRL ON THE GO – FOCUSED ON ORGANIC, NON-TOXIC, & WHOLE FOOD PLANT-BASED LIFESTYLE.

Categories

  • City Restaurant Guides
  • Clean Beauty
  • Dallas
  • Health Coaching
  • Holiday
  • Holistic Lifestyle
  • LA
  • Nontoxic Home
  • Plant based Recipes
  • Sakara
  • Travel
  • Vegan Nutrition FAQs

LET’S GET SOCIAL

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Snapchat
  • Twitter
  • Plant-Based & Non-Toxic Living Grocery List Staples from Whole Foods Market
  • Hello, world! Why My Mom’s Cancer Made Me Obsessed With Holistic Living.
  • Dallas Restaurant Guide for Organic, Vegan, & Plant-Based Eats
  • From the Lone Star State to Lala Land: Moving to Los Angeles, California
  • How To Find A Functional Medicine Doctor

daniontheloose

Holistic Health Coach
It seems everywhere we turn these days there are m It seems everywhere we turn these days there are more and more options for “paraben free” shampoo and “natural” toothpaste, but when you turn over a product and read the ingredient label, what shit should you actually avoid? You might see certain words and have no idea what the f*ck they mean, let alone how they react in your body when they are absorbed into your bloodstream through the skin. 

This is why I created a CHEAT SHEET FOR YOU BETCHES. New post at daniontheloose.com with 12 common chemical ingredients to watch out for in your personal care products. You might be shocked to find out that this crap is way more deadly than you’d expect and hidden in SO many popular brands. SAVE THIS POST TO COME BACK TO.

1. Fragrance/”Parfum”
2. Parabens
3. Sulfates
4. Phthalates
5. PEG/Ceteareth
6. Triclosan & Triclocarbon
7. Toluene
8. Formaldehyde
9. Talc
10. Petroleum/Mineral Oil
11. Coal Tar
12. Heavy Metals

Get all the details for deciphering ingredient labels on my blog (link in bio).

 Feeling freaked out after reading this? Need help getting started making the switch to a less toxic lifestyle? Shoot me a DM and I’ll send you my Clean Beauty Guide e-book for FREE today! 

📷 Pictured: one of my fave clean, non-toxic makeup brands @100percentpure 

XO, Dani🤍
The Best Plant-based Podcasts to Listen To in 2021 The Best Plant-based Podcasts to Listen To in 2021:

🌱 @plantbasednotperfect by my girl @hautehealthy (ps go listen to my episode with her! #61)
🌱 The Plantbased News Podcast @plantbasednews 
🌱 Plant Proof @plant_proof 
🌱 The Sakara Life Podcast @sakaralife 
🌱 The Exam Room by The Physician’s Committee @physicianscommittee 
🌱 The Balanced Blonde Soul On Fire @thebalancedblonde @tbbpodcast 
🌱 The Disclosure Podcast by @earthlinged 
🌱 PlantStrong by @ripesselstyn of @goplantstrong 
🌱 Chris Beat Cancer @chrisbeatcancer 
🌱 Food, Sex, & Money @foodsexandmoney by @kenzieburke 
🌱 Plant Powered People Podcast by @vegan abs @plantbasedonabudget 
 
Full list on my blog at daniontheloose.com (link in bio).

Tag any other health/wellness podcasts that you love!
😷Check in post- First month of the new year dow 😷Check in post- First month of the new year down. how we feelin peeps?! Did you start a new routine? Try a plant based meal? How are you focusing on getting healthier this year? Physically and mentally. I wanna know. 

Share any workout companies, meditations, apps, products, podcasts, or Instagram accounts you’ve been loving so far in 2021. Xo, Dani
OILS: WHAT’S BEST FOR COOKING VS CONSUMING & WHI OILS: WHAT’S BEST FOR COOKING VS CONSUMING & WHICH ONES TO AVOID! The last week in my 6 part series for ya on Clean Grocery Brands. 

FOR COOKING (AKA HIGH HEAT):
1. Avocado 
2. Coconut 
3. Red Palm

FOR CONSUMING (AKA IN SALAD DRESSINGS, DRIZZLED ON FINISHED DISHES, ETC.)
1. Flax
2. Grapeseed
3. Sesame
4. Walnut
5. Sunflower

TO AVOID:
1. Vegetable
2. Corn
3. Soybean
4. Safflower
5. Canola

Be sure to check out the other posts in my feed that are part of this series: chips & snacks, grains & legumes, plant-based milks, breakfast foods, and dressings & condiments. 

Which category in this series did you find the most helpful?! XO, Dani
My personal before & after transformations. I was My personal before & after transformations. I was inspired to share this after seeing @mimibouchard and @thebalancedblonde post similar ones earlier this week. 

What changed when I discovered whole food plant-based diet and a holistic approach to health? So much more than what you see in these photos!

BEFORE: broken out, heavier, anxious, overwhelmingly stressed, frequent migraines, sinus infections and bronchitis.

AFTER: clearer skin, leaner, less “puffy” feeling, less anxious, managed stress, rarely ever sick, etc.

If you’re interested in transitioning over to a more plant-based lifestyle, I’d love to chat. Shoot me a DM! XO, Dani
CLEAN GROCERY BRANDS- WEEK 5 of 6! Some of my top CLEAN GROCERY BRANDS- WEEK 5 of 6! Some of my top recommendations for 100% plant-based AND gluten-free shelf stable snacks. These products have some of the best and healthiest ingredient labels on the market….

@sietefoods for chips. Try swapping highly processed potato chips for these instead. They have multiple flavors like nacho that resemble Doritos.

@lesserevil snacks “no cheese” puffs are the perfect Cheetos replacement. Not all products by this brand are completely plant based but I especially love to recommend this “no cheese” one to clients as a fun snack to stock the pantry with. 

@arrowheadmills organic popcorn- just pop these plain kernels in the microwave and then toss on some @Lilys_sweets vegan dark chocolate chips, Celtic sea salt, or @Bragg Nutritional yeast for a cheesy consistency. This way you get that popcorn snack without the added sugar, processed oils, or tons iodized salt. 

@sietefoods again but this time we’re talking the TORTILLAS- any flavor! If you’re nut free, opt for the cassava or chickpea ones. You can use some plant-based cheese with these for quesadillas or add hummus or guacamole to it. The perfect in between meals snack.

When it comes to crackers two of my favorites to suggest are @flackerscrackers (made by a Doctor!) and @hukitchen (especially their pizza flavor!)

Last but not least @lundbergfarms rice cakes are a pantry must- spread on avocado, almond butter, or top with banana.

Next week is the last post in this series and I’ll be doing cooking oils so keep a lookout! What other questions do you have about clean grocery brands? 
XO, Dani
🕯 Are candles toxic? Let’s talk about clean c 🕯 Are candles toxic? Let’s talk about clean candles 101. I have to admit, I actually got the idea to do this post when I was researching which candles to buy for myself this past pandemic-y year! I looove the ambiance a nice candle creates. So cozy! 

But after being at home all day everyday, it became even more clear to me that making sure our homes are clean and chemical free, and that we are supporting our immunity, is of utmost importance. Afterall, we breathe the air in our homes almost 24/7 and our indoor environment is one of the biggest factors in overall health. 

Why Conventional Scented Candles Are Toxic:
You might be shocked to hear that they contain all this nasty shit...

-PHTHALATES THAT DISRUPT HORMONES
-ASTHMAGENS THAT CAUSE ASTHMA
-CARCINOGENS THAT CAUSE CANCER
-OBESOGENS THAT CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN
-NEUROTOXINS THAT AFFECT MOOD AND BRAIN FUNCTION

Peep my insta stories today for some great alternative CLEAN and SAFE candle options!!

And read the full post at DANIONTHELOOSE.COM.

PS if you’re someone who is trying to switch to a less toxic lifestyle this year, I would LOVE to connect with you. I know it can be sooo overwhelming so would love to support you in this journey! It’s effing a lot to take in but also so fun. Shoot me a DM! 

XO, Dani
CLEAN GROCERY BRANDS WEEK 4! It’s all about brea CLEAN GROCERY BRANDS WEEK 4! It’s all about breakfast foods in this one. Here we go:

@onedegreeorganics is my go to-to cereal and oats brand. I have the HARDEST time finding a cereal that does not have cane sugar and other added crap AND that is also gluten free. But One Degree fits the bill. Their grains and oats are sprouted too which is key for optimal digestion.

@sakaralife Superfood Granolas- not technically a brand you can find in the grocery store but you can order on their site! I wanted to include because I looove recommending their granolas with almond milk to the women I health coach. You truly will not find higher quality ingredients! (ps code “XODANIELLE” gets ya 20% off).

Wildwood Organic tofu in place of scrambled eggs. Now look I know tofu freaks people the fuck out. And I get it. I avoided in the first like 3 years I was plantbased because I just didn’t know how I felt about it or how to cook it. But boy has that changed. DM for some recipe ideas if you want to give this a try!

@hilaryseatwell organic veggie sausages. I am obsessed with these things and have a real addiction. I like that they are made with legumes like lentils instead of any soy or imitation meats. I also feature them in my Green Girl At Home vegan newbies e-book for a “sausage biscuit” type recipe. 

@simplemills pancake and muffin mixes have such clean ingredients and are gluten free so def give them a try for a healthier try at baked goods for breakfast. Also in my recipe e-book for “pancake muffins.” so good.

Last but certainly not least is @foodforlifebaking gluten free and vegan breads and english muffins. Don’t know what I would do without this brand. For avo toast breakfasts and so many other things! DM me for a tip on the english muffins though because they can be super hard to unfreeze and figure out when you first buy them ha!

Which one of these is your fave? XO, Dani
Load More... On The Loose on Insta

FOLLOW ALONG ON TIKTOK

View on TikTok

CERTIFIED HOLISTIC HEALTH COACH

LATELY

  • What Is A Detox Bath?
  • 12 Ingredients To Avoid In Your Personal Care Products
  • The Best Plant-Based Podcasts

Archives

  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • November 2017
  • October 2017

Copyright © 2021 · Simply Pro by Bloom Blog Shop.