Healthy Living in Connecticut Blog
Getting Enough Protein During Workouts
My trainer reminded me of the importance of getting enough protein when I had my training session today. I do think I get enough, even when I'm vegan most days of the week.
Recently, I changed my protein powder, based on advice from Dr. Fuhrman. He mentioned during a recent interview that many protein powders have unnecessary vitamins and ingredients that aren't needed. I know I don't need protein powders with the smoothies I make, but still I worry that I'm not getting enough protein without it.
So I found what I think is a good solution... a powder at Whole Foods, and the only ingredient is yellow peas. It's 14 grams of protein made out of peas only, which I mix in with the other veggies like kale, watercress, cucumbers, etc. This way, I can ensure that I'm getting plenty of protein. I sweeten the smoothies with healthy fruit like pineapple and pomegranate. I also use cocoa powder, which is also a good protein source. This gives me more than enough protein without hidden ingredients of things that I can't pronounce!
I may want to build muscle but I don't want to compromise health by using protein powders that could cause health issues. I know I'd never want to use whey. So many body builders use whey on a daily basis, but this never digested too well for me. I feel much healthier with the pea protein.
Also, aside from the smoothies, I do get plenty of protein from the nuts, seeds, beans, broccoli and spinach that I eat daily, among many other foods.
About the author
Richard Hubbard was once over 350 pounds. After a doctor's physical and finding out he was pre-hypertensive, he decided to make changes and avoid medication. Over the course of a year, Rich lost the first 120 pounds of his incredible 150 pound weight loss. He ate healthy foods based on Dr. Joel Fuhrman's book "Eat To Live". He was mostly plant based, but switched to completely plant based in September of 2016. He also became a vegan in the process as his compassion for animals increased. He credits bodybuilder Robert Cheeke for influencing his decision of going vegan. Rich aspires to be a vegan bodybuilder and is planning his first half marathon this year.