01/07/2023
It’s surprising there is so much fuss in the United States about getting enough protein when less than 3 percent of adults don’t make the cut. (Presumably folks on extreme calorie-restricted diets who just aren’t eating enough food, period.) Indeed, 97 percent of Americans do get enough protein.
There is a nutrient, though, for which 97 percent of Americans are deficient. Less than 3 percent of Americans get the recommended minimum adequate intake of fiber. So, the question isn’t where do you get your protein? but where do you get your fiber?
Fiber is found in whole, unrefined plant foods, such as beans, fruits, whole grains, and vegetables. Although fruits and vegetables contain fiber, many of them are also made up of about 90 percent water. Therefore, the fiber superstars are legumes—beans, split peas, chickpeas, and lentils—and whole grains. And, it turns out that legumes and whole grains also contain plant-based proteins. Take the Daily Dozen Challenge and fill your plate with beans and other nutrient-dense, plant-based foods!
Watch the video "Do Vegetarians Get Enough Protein?" at http://bit.ly/2nXTcX9 and "Is Fiber an Effective Anti-Inflammatory?" at https://bit.ly/3gVFH2D to learn more.
