We all know that protein is an important part of our diet. It provides many benefits, including building and repairing tissue, making hormones, and building muscle. The most common source of protein that people think about is meat. However it doesn’t end there. Sources of protein are abundant and come from a large variety of foods. So just because you’re not on a one of our Hauser Diet high protein diets doesn’t mean that you can’t get in the amount you need!
You’ll hear a lot of talk about complete and incomplete proteins. And yes that is true, animal products such as meat and dairy are complete proteins, meaning they contain all the amino acids needed to form a protein, and plant proteins are incomplete. Any foods that are plant based to not have every amino acid necessary to make a complete protein. That’s okay! If you eat a variety of foods through out the day you will be sure to get in enough variety to make complete proteins on you own! Just make sure that you are eating the right protein foods for your Diet Type. As always, what is good for a Lion is not always good for a Bear, and what is good for a Bear is not always good for a Giraffe. So stick to your Hauser Diet principals and you will be just fine! In case you need a little more insight, here are a few good non-meat protein sources and direction as to who they are best for!
ORGANIC EGGS
These are actually considered a complete protein source on the Hauser Diet, so of course this is a really good option for Lions and Otters. Bears and even Monkeys can throw in a few eggs too. Hard boiled is good, but eggs have endless opportunities. Deviled eggs make a great appetizer, quiches can spice up a breakfast, and egg scramblers aren’t just for breakfast anymore! Because eggs are an animal protein, Giraffes should pass on dishes that are egg heavy.
NUTS
We see a lot of people who excessively consume nuts for their protein. Although they have some protein in them, the majority of the calories in nuts come from fat, so that’s what they are considered on the Hauser Diet…fat! Nuts are a great choice for our higher fat diets, the Lion and Otter. Bear’s can add these to their menus too as long as they’re careful with the portions. But we would recommend that Monkey’s and Giraffe’s only indulge occasionally and better yet, mix them up with some dried fruit to make it friendly for your Diet Type!
LENTILS
Another often misidentified food is lentils and other beans, as a high protein food. This, or any legume for that matter, is a good way for vegetarians to add protein to their diet. But you should realize that the base of legumes is carbohydrate, and on the Hauser Diet are considered complex carbohydrates. Lentils provide a lot of fiber and a lot of bulk to meals. This should be a staple in the Giraffe and Monkey Diets. Any of the Hauser Diets can have lentils to some degree, such as a lentil soup. Ideally, for the higher protein Lions and Otters, you should accompany a soup like this with a slice of meat, or add meat to the soup.
COTTAGE CHEESE
Of all dairy foods, cottage cheese provides the most protein per serving! Since all diets are allowed to eat at least some dairy, this is an excellent protein source for most of us. Because it’s an animal product, though, Giraffes’ should not rely on it for the majority of their protein! One of the great things about cottage cheese and the Hauser Diet is there is a range of varieties as far as fat goes. Depending on your Diet Type, you can choose full fat (Lions and Otters), reduced fat (Bears), or fat free (Monkey’s and Giraffes).
Whether meat is a regular part of your diet, or you completely avoid it, you can get the amount of daily protein you need. Just choose the right proteins for you Diet Type! Obviously, the Lions and Otters need a lot of true animal protein, Bears do well with a mix of animal and plant-based protein, while Monkeys and Giraffes should be sticking with as many plant-based proteins as possible. It’s always best to eat a variety of foods because it ensures that you get in a good mix of all nutrients. If you think you want more protein sources, let us know. We’ll help you explore the diverse world of protein and how it fits into YOUR Diet Type!
