“Where do you get your protein?” Every vegan hears this question countless times and answering it has become part of my vegan lifestyle. If you are a vegan, or if you are considering becoming a vegan, I strongly suggest that you arm yourself with effective answers to this inevitable inquiry by others.
When I first became vegan, I would give a simple and obvious answer to the protein question: beans, lentils, quinoa, tofu, seitan, tempeh, nuts, seeds, veggies, etc. As time marched on, I tried to explain that protein is in most healthy, plant-based foods and that getting adequate amounts of it did not concern me; but, somehow, people always seemed unsatisfied with my answer. Over time, I began to ask myself “have I ever known anyone with a protein deficiency problem?” I pondered this question for quite some time before I determined that the answer was “no, I never knew anyone who suffered from protein deficiency.” I am sure that some of you reading this blog post may know someone with this condition, but I don’t.
On the other hand, I know plenty of people with heart conditions, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, irritable bowel syndrome and weight issues. Extensive scientific research has shown that following a healthy vegan diet positively impacts all of these conditions.
After doing a little research on the Internet, I learned that “kwashiorkor” is the name of the medical condition that develops due to an insufficient intake of protein in the diet. It is common in very poor countries where there is famine, limited food supply or low levels of education. It sometimes occurs during a drought or other natural disaster or during times of political unrest.
Based on the foregoing, please ask yourself “how many people do you know suffering from ‘kwashiorkor’?” Next, ask yourself “how many people do you know suffering from heart conditions, high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, irritable bowel syndrome and obesity?”
I think you have your standard answer to the inevitable protein question. I suggest that you respond by answering the question with a question: “how many people do you know suffering from ‘kwashiorkor’?”
I rest my case!!
Did I ever mention to you guys that I practiced law for many years before I stayed home to raise my boys?
We are omnivores. We have strong stomach acid. We do not chew cud. In the wild we might not have access to high protein pulses and nuts so meat would have to be consumed. I hate vegan hippies. Chickens cows and sheep are just dumb animals that deserve to be slaughtered and eaten. We have been eating meat for thousands of years. We are adapted for meat consumption. Chaosnathan is my twitter reply back to me
Not all vegans are hippies! We don’t believe that any animals deserve to be slaughtered and eaten.
Don’t think thousands of years is long enough to adapt. Eating meat is certainly pleasurable but we have still not evolved beyond being largely suited to a plant based diet.
Vegan Hippies are my favorite people!! Carnists are NOT!