In the last article, I discussed the important nutritional differences between animal protein and plant based / vegetable protein. I also offer some good protein choices and things to watch out for.

In the last fifteen years, I have experimented different dietary styles from being an omnivore to an ovo-vegetarian, vegan, raw vegan and back again being an omnivore and the cycle goes on. With some success and few illnesses and weight fluctuations along the way, I have learned that consuming good quality protein is vital to health.

The only word of wisdom I can offer you in achieving good health when choosing animal protein vs vegetable protein is: try to maintain balance and watch for the proportion. Too much of a good thing or too little of the right stuff does not help you in achieving total health. Educate yourself as much as possible. There are a lot of hypes out there when choosing animal protein vs vegetable protein. The most important thing is to stay balanced and listen to your body.

If you still ask “but what should I do?” when it comes to choosing animal protein vs vegetable protein, here are good key questions to guide you in making your decision.

A few things to keep in mind when choosing animal protein vs vegetable protein:

Animal Protein vs Vegetable Protein Question #1
What are your goals? Are you a competitive bodybuilder? Or do you focus on improving your health?

Animal Protein vs Vegetable Protein Question #2
Do you have any pre-existing physical conditions i.e. autoimmune disease or kidney issues? Does your physician recommend one source of protein more over the other when it comes to animal protein vs vegetable protein?

Animal Protein vs Vegetable Protein Question #3
If you choose to be a vegetarian or even a vegan with no animal protein in your diet at all, do you have the time and are you willing to learn what it takes to prepare your food so you receive adequate portion of all essential amino acids from varieties of vegetables and plant food? Will your dietary choice sustain you so you still stay healthy in a long run such as in 5-10 years?

Animal Protein vs Vegetable Protein Question #4
What are your social, cultural or religious beliefs? These are vital factors for many people when it comes to consuming animal protein vs vegetable protein.

Animal Protein vs Vegetable Protein Question #5
Lastly, what is your taste preference? What do you like? Are you willing to experiment something new? Food is fuel. However, when we make it easy for our taste buds within a healthy range of food choices, we can help ourselves to stay on a healthy diet for the long haul.

It’s important to stay balanced. You don’t have to choose to consume vegetable protein solely or vice versa unless you have decided that it’s the best dietary choice for you.

Lastly, research and educate yourself. However, keep an open mind and try to stay sway from extreme views as any extreme and drastic change to your diet can be very difficult on the body. Our goal is to feel strong and be healthy so we can enjoy all the goodness life offers. There isn’t a “magic pill”. Experiment and listen to your body. Balance is key!

I wish you well!
Cara Newman