top of page

The idea of changing one's lifestyle to include a whole foods, plant-based diet is controversial, especially when you are used to eating meat!  Many people oppose this idea for a variety of reasons.  Unfortunately, most people don't realize that most of these reasons are myths!  Read more to find out.  

What about protein?  

​

Many people argue that, since you're not eating meat, a whole foods, plant-based diet will not provide enough protein.  In fact, most people reference the Atkins Diet and the USDA's Food Pyramid as evidence that we need a lot of protein. 

 

But the Food Pyramid recommends about .7 grams of protein per pound of a person's body weight, which is about 10-15% of a person's daily calories.  Some argue, still, that these numbers are too high.  A whole foods, plant-based diet provides more than enough protein through legumes (chickpeas, lentils, black beans, etc.), grains (bulgur, wheat, quinoa), and nuts.  Getting an appropriate amount of protein is as simple as eating a plant-based protein source with every meal.  For a breakdown of how much protein we really need and how plants provide it, read more at No Meat Athlete. Even the USDA lists plant-based sources of protein. 

 

Aside from the lack of research studying long-term affects of The Atkins' Diet, its recommendation of about 20-30% of our calories coming from protein is actually unsafe.  The reality is, Americans get TOO much protein as it is, which can lead to cancer, kidney disease, and osteoporosis. I recommend reading Dr. T. Colin Campbell's book, The China Study. But ther is even more information put together by The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine. 

 

 

It's too expensive. 



Sure, products sold at stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's can often be expensive, but you don't have to shop there or buy any special products.  Think about it: a pound of meat costs far more than a pound of beans, grains, and vegetables and since beans, grains, and vegetables contain so much fiber, you can eat less and stay full longer. Also, think of the long-term health care costs!  Sure it may be cheaper to stop at McDonald's now, but is it worth spending thousands of dollars a year on health care for Type II Diabetes, Heart Disease, or Cancer?  

 

There are tons of cookbooks and websites that offer budget-friendly recipes for people eating a whole foods, plant-based diet.  Take a look for yourself!

 

Others may argue...

Improve Your Health
Improve Your Academics
Improve Your Environment
The 
Opposition
bottom of page