Fat Protein Lies Hurt Weight Loss, Health and Fitness

By Dr. Leslie Van Romer
Let’s cut to the chase – or confusion - about protein.

We’ve been duped. Brainwashed. And now we’re hooked – on meat. But, but, but…don’t we have to eat meat to get our protein?

In a word, no.

I know. I know. It’s hard to swallow, but it’s the absolute truth.

Meat is not your best source of protein. Why? One reason, meat protein comes wrapped with way too much fat and cholesterol. And that translates into extra weight, diseases, and early death. Pretty big reasons if you ask me.

After a lifetime of being fed protein lies, it’s tough to think out of the protein box.

Let’s give a go, shall we?

First, do you have to be a vegetarian to lose weight?

Absolutely not. In fact, there’s lots of so-called vegetarians who are overweight. Shoot – you could eat Twinkies all day and proudly proclaim you’re a vegetarian.

Forget the label. Just use your common sense and fill up on those foods that give you the most nutrition for your calorie buck. Meat is not one of those foods. If you must, eat it last, after eating the best-for-you foods first – whole fruits, vegetables, grains and beans.

Think about it logically here, no emotion. Chicken is 48% fat, beef 67% fat, salmon 48% fat, cheese 73% fat, eggs 62% fat. Tough to lose weight and get your body back with those percentages.

Now take a look at our weight warriors and health heroes.

Brown rice is 7% fat, apples 4% fat, oranges 2% fat, potatoes 1% fat (no, potatoes aren’t fattening), kidney beans 3% fat. You get the idea.

If you really want to lose weight and get healthy, seems like simple math to me to fill up on whole, plant foods. And can they fill you up? Absolutely. Just eat enough until your brains says, “Stop, I’m full!”

But besides the fat issue, what about that protein?

Oranges couldn’t possibly have enough protein. Oh, yes, they absolutely do. Again, use logic, no emotion.

What is protein for? Growth, and a lot of things.

When do we grow the most? 0 to 2 years old.

What is the best food for 0 to 2 year olds? Breast milk.

How much protein does breast milk have? 4.5% protein. The World Health Organization says – not coincidentally – that we need only 4.5% protein in our diets.

Well, guess what? Oranges have 8% protein (almost double what we need), Romaine lettuce 35% protein, brown rice 8% protein, broccoli 33% protein. Those numbers speak volumes, without emotion.

Is plant protein as good as animal protein? Absolutely – and even better (another story for another time).

And you don’t have to believe me. Just look to the smartest source of all for the simple truth – Mother Nature. Where do elephants, cows, giraffes, and horses get their protein for the growth of their great, big, strong muscles? Hamburgers, chicken, fish, or protein bars (a scam cover-up for candy bars)? No. They eat plant foods and not a huge variety at that.

If they can eat plant foods for ideal weight, health and fitness, so can you with your relatively little muscles and body.

So, do you have to eat meat (or eggs, cheese, or consciously mix and match certain foods) to get your protein? No, not at all.

If you want to eat meat, eat it. But remember, it’s a choice, not a necessity. And you are the direct product of your choices. No more lies. Just the simple truth.



Dr. Leslie Van Romer is the author of forthcoming "Getting Into Your Pants," chiropractor, weight loss cheerleader, and feel-good-about-you motivational health speaker. For more inspiration visit http://www.drleslievanromer.com