If you are an athlete, is it possible to get enough protein through a plant-based diet?

Hi Kate. Man, I wish I could hire the Meat & Dairy industry to market my website--I'd be rich! Over the years, they have managed to convince most of us that eating animal foods is essential to good health, that you can't possible thrive without it. Arrgghh! Of course, all you have to do is look at the majority of earth's human inhabitants--they eat little to no animal foods because they can't afford it, and except in the case of starvation, the science shows that they are clearly better off for it. Athletes in training do need more protein--but they also need more fat and carbohydrate. By increasing the amount of fruits, veggies, beans, nuts, and seeds you eat to match your increased caloric needs, you'll get plenty of protein. Incidentally, where do the larges land mammals get their protein (think elephants, rhinos, gorillas)? Mostly green vegetation.

I have heard that the use of soy protein is bad for men, is it true?

Great question. To the contrary, a plethora of scientific studies have found that minimally processed soy foods (like tofu, soy milk, and tempeh) are associated with reduced risk of prostate cancer, as well as lung, stomach, and colorectal cancers. Protein powders and isolated soy protein, however, are another story and seem to be problematic, so get your beans (other beans are probably just as beneficial as soy) as close to their natural state as possible!

I would also add to look for either gmo-free/non-gmo or organic since by law it has to be non-gmo. Soy is 90% genetically modified (gmo) and there are serious health concerns about these type of foods as well as environmental concerns.

Thank you

Very interesting topic - thanks for the info. I love drinking unsweetened soymilk (Silk-organic) but have been worried it could cause health problems.