Protein is a component of food made up of amino acids (building blocks for major parts of a lean human body).  Amino Acids are crucial to the maintenance and daily regulation of our bodies.  Our bodies make our supply of amino acids, however, we also must get some from food.  As we all know, Protein comes in many different forms. 

Think of protein as the basic building block of tissues and cells that are necessary in keeping us strong and crucial for vital functions, maintenance and regulation of our bodies.  We must consider the amount of protein that we take in each day.  You must know your body, as protein consumption is a very personal thing and everyone needs a different amount.  We must analyze our blood type, activity level, life goals, heritage, and ancestry when choosing protein.

Common Symptoms of Too Little Protein 

• Sugar and Sweet cravings
• Feeling spacey and jittery
• Fatigue
• Weight Loss
• Loss of healthy color in facial area
• Weak feeling
• Anemia
• Hair Color/Texture change
• Skin Inflammation and Pot Belly (in severe cases)

Common Symptoms of Too Much Protein

• Low Energy
• Constipation
• Dehydration
• Lethargy
• Heavy Feeling
• Weight Gain
• Sweet Cravings
• Feeling “Tight”/ Stiff joints
• Body becomes overly Acidic
• Kidney function declines (stress required to process excess proteins-the kidney faces increased pressure to filter toxins/waste)
• Foul body odor
• Halitosis and calcium loss to compensate for acidic status in body

I encourage you to experiment with what works for YOUR BODY at this time in your life.  Therefore, you will be able to successfully guide yourself to your appropriate protein source.  Below I have listed protein options that you can choose to incorporate into your day.

Animal Protein Sources

• Meat
• Egg
• Fish
• Dairy (If you have a negative reaction to cow’s milk, try other dairy foods such as buttermilk, yogurt, ghee, or butter, as well as other animal species such as goat and sheep products)
• Bees (Protein from bee pollen and royal jelly digests easily and has many other nutrients.

Vegan Sources of Protein

• Grains
• Beans (Contain a more complete set of amino acids than other plant foods; Use small beans and soak overnight and add vinegar for easier digestion).
• Soy (Soybeans are the most difficult beans to digest; the best ways to consume soy are: edamame, tofu, tempeh, miso, tamari).  BE AWARE of today’s trend to sconsume soy is unnatural ways such as soymilk, soy-meat and soy ice cream; these may not be a good idea.  Also, note soybeans are one of the most genetically engineered crops, so it is important to buy organic).
• Soy Milk (NOT a natural food—very highly processed). 
• Nuts
• Protein Bars (May contain many chemicals/unnatural sweeteners). These are NOT meal replacements.
• Protein Powder (Check for high-quality ingredients.  Not recommended in large amounts).  Eat Whole, Natural foods instead.

Vegetarian Culture

• Vegetarians choose to avoid meat for the following reasons: Animal rights, irradiation, genetic engineering, bovine growth hormone, mad cow disease, environment, poor quality, taste, difficulty digesting, toxic sludge, spirituality
• There is a class of Vegetarians called, “Junk-Food Vegetarians” who swear off eating animal food, however, they have little or no education about cooking or how to eat a balanced diet.  This is the hummus-Taco Bell-beer diet; frequently eating processed breakfast cereal with soymilk.

Non-Vegetarian Culture

• Many bodies NEED to have animal protein; the body, despite what you may believe, sometimes NEEDS this kind of protein.  Determine the amount your body needs; it may be more or less.  Many people become unfocused and too spacey without animal protein in their diets.
• Some problems linked to this culture: Antibiotics, factory farming, animal cruelty, cloning, irradiation, toxic sludge, E. coli bacteria, mad cow disease, genetic engineering, bovine growth hormone, cancer, heart disease, constipation.
• It is important to note the QUALITY of your animal protein. Make sure it is high-quality, organic, free-range, and grass-fed because if the animal is healthy, you in turn will be healthy.
• Experiment with the QUANTITY of protein you eat; try a small quantity at a time and keep portions to the size of your palm.
• To aid in the digestion of animal proteins, eat vegetables with your meal.

According to science, A PROTEIN IS A PROTEIN, whether it is from dry beans, chicken, or a steak.  However, we find that each protein source affects us differently on an energetic level.  Try to pay closer attention and see if you can notice the difference.