Tip 6 - Do Vegans Get Enough Protein?


I get asked the protein question  ALL... THE... TIME.   At one point I got so tired of talking about it that I considered printing cards with thoughtful answers about protein and dairy and a few other common things.  In hindsight I wish I had.  

Now that I've had the conversation with most of my friends, it doesn't come up as often.  On the occasions when it does, my answer depends on the intentions of the questioning...

If someone is obviously trying to belittle a plant based diet in order to justify their love of meat,  I say I get plenty of protein from plants and suggest they Google it if they want to know more. There's no need to prove my choices to these people.  If they are not too condescending,  I might add that if after they do a little research if they think they'd like to start eating less meat, I'd be happy to give them some tips.   

On the other hand, if someone seems to be asking because they are considering making a change, then I've got all the time in the world to help!

The point is, if you are considering going on the Vegan/WFPB journey, you would do well to be prepared for how you will answer questions about protein deficiencies. Your family and close friends deserve a good, accurate answer so they don't worry about your health. Getting them to watch a video or two might be the best way to calm their fears.  Meanwhile, do your homework so they will know you are taking care of yourself.  As time goes on and you look and feel better, they will be more convinced, but in the beginning, many will worry you are on the road to becoming feeble and weak.  Prove them wrong!

Do Vegans Get Enough Protein?

People who eat WFPB get plenty of protein!  

There are all sorts of articles out there about how plant based eaters get their protein.  Here are a couple of pretty good ones -

PCRM - Neal Barnard - article and video



Most Americans get TOO MUCH protein.

Too much protein is more of a health problem than not getting enough, particularly when the protein source is an animal product.  Short term high protein intake may get people weight loss results quickly, which is why the Keto diet is so popular, but those who stay on the Keto program too long risk damaging their heart, kidneys and liver and they have increased risk of cancer, osteoporosis and more.  Plant protein does not present the same risks. 


In the end, instead of people worrying that vegans don't get enough protein, vegans should be worrying about meat-eaters getting too much.  We do actually.  The conversations are tricky.  Most of us hope that our increasingly good health will influence others more than preaching to deaf ears.


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